Government extends TRP suspension for news channels by four weeks

Mumbai: The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry Tuesday extended the suspension of television news ratings by another four weeks, aiming to curb sensationalism and speculative content amid the West Asia conflict.

On March 6, the ministry had directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately withhold reporting of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news TV channels for four weeks, or until further directions, whichever earlier. That directive will now continue until further orders.

Also Read: MIB asks BARC to withhold publishing news channels' TRPs amid Iran war


The ministry had earlier observed that certain news channels were displaying "unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content" in their coverage of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which could potentially create panic among the public, particularly among those with family or friends in the affected regions.

It cited Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, issued in 2014, which mandates that rating agencies comply with any orders, regulations, or directions issued by the ministry from time to time.

Also Read: Government halts TV news TRPs for four weeks to curb sensational coverage

BARC is the official ratings body recognised by the I&B ministry and is backed by broadcasters, advertisers, and media agencies.