Why in news?
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released a draft policy for TV Rating Guidelines 2025, proposing significant reforms in the television rating (TRP) ecosystem.
Problems with the current system
- Monopoly: The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is the sole rating agency, limiting competition and innovation.
- Tiny sample size: Only about 58,000 people‑meters serve more than 230 million TV households, representing just 0.025 per cent of the audience.
- Exclusion of digital viewers: The system does not adequately measure smart TVs, OTT platforms or mobile viewership.
Proposed reforms
- Multiple rating agencies: Allow new players to enter, encouraging competition and improving technology.
- Modern technology integration: Agencies must measure connected TVs, streaming apps and mobile devices to reflect actual viewership patterns.
- Regulatory amendments: Relax restrictions to avoid conflicts of interest but remove unnecessary barriers to entry.
- Democratised investment: Broadcasters and advertisers can invest in rating infrastructure under regulated norms.
- Inclusive ratings: The new system aims to capture India’s regional diversity and digital consumption, offering a more accurate picture to advertisers and policymakers.
By liberalising the TRP ecosystem, the policy seeks to improve transparency and keep pace with digital viewing trends.
