New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has extended the public consultation window for proposed changes to the ‘Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India,’ originally introduced in 2014. The move comes in response to demands from stakeholders for additional time to evaluate and provide inputs on the proposed amendments aimed at boosting transparency and curbing conflicts of interest in the TV rating ecosystem.
The initial call for public comments was issued on July 2, 2025, with a 30-day deadline. That period has now been extended by another month, with the new cut-off date set as September 1, 2025. Interested parties, including industry bodies and citizens, are encouraged to submit their feedback via email to [email protected], preferably in electronic format.
Among the proposed amendments are key revisions to clauses governing the structure and operations of television rating agencies. One of the central updates is a complete substitution of Clause 1.1, which will now require that any entity applying to offer television rating services must be a company incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 2013.
Additionally, Clause 1.4 is being amended to introduce a clear restriction: rating agencies will be prohibited from offering consultancy or advisory services that could result in a conflict of interest with their core function of audience measurement. This clause underscores the Ministry’s emphasis on separating data generation from commercial influence or strategic advice.
Further, the Ministry plans to delete Clauses 1.5 and 1.7, along with a proviso attached to Clause 1, in an effort to streamline and tighten the regulatory framework. These changes will take effect immediately upon finalization and will also apply retrospectively to currently registered television rating agencies.
The policy overhaul is part of the Government’s broader push to ensure credibility and integrity in India’s media measurement industry, particularly in light of ongoing concerns over data manipulation and undue influence in TRP (Television Rating Points) reporting.
