The government has extended the suspension of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels by another four weeks, as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to continue withholding viewership data, citing concerns over sensational and speculative reporting.
The latest directive, issued on March 31, follows an earlier order dated March 6, which had mandated an immediate halt to TRP ratings for news broadcasters.
According to the ministry, the extension comes against the backdrop of a still-evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia. Authorities flagged the risk of exaggerated or unverified reporting by certain channels, warning that such coverage could trigger unnecessary panic among viewers.
The MIB said the move was aimed at curbing "unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content," particularly given the sensitivity of the conflict and its potential emotional impact on audiences with connections to the region. Officials also emphasised that the absence of ratings would reduce competitive pressure on broadcasters to prioritise speed and drama over accuracy.
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Public Interest and Editorial Responsibility
"In the public interest," the ministry has asked BARC to withhold TRP data for news channels for a further four-week period, or until further directions are issued. The government reiterated that the measure is intended to promote responsible journalism, encouraging news organisations to focus on verified, factual reporting rather than chasing viewership metrics during a period of heightened global uncertainty.
With the extension in place, news broadcasters will continue to operate without publicly available TRP data-an unusual scenario for an industry where ratings directly influence advertising revenues and editorial strategy. The suspension effectively removes a key benchmark of performance, potentially reshaping newsroom priorities in the short term.
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