NEW DELHI: The Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) has said TV Channels must rely upon its discretion while depicting any content that leads to the stereotyping of minorities.

While reiterating that it wanted to 'avoid being a pre-censoring agency or intrude upon the freedom of media', the Council said channels should approach content of sensitivity to the minorities with caution and, when necessary, ensure that any such depiction is preceded by a declaration that it is a work of fiction and bears no resemblance to any community, caste or creed.

Addressing issues and complaints regarding portrayal of content sensitive to the minorities in various TV programmes, it said 'due diligence should be adopted to ensure that an entire community is not projected as fanatic, intolerant or criminal.'

'The objective is to create an atmosphere congenial to communal harmony, peace and amity without telecasting content that hurts the sentiments of communities and religious groups,' it added.