New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately suspend the reporting of television rating points (TRPs) for news television channels for a period of four weeks, citing concerns over sensational coverage related to the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.
According to the ministry’s order, the suspension will remain in effect for four weeks or until further directions are issued, whichever is earlier. During this period, news channels will continue their regular broadcasts, but audience measurement data for these channels will neither be calculated nor publicly released.
In its communication to BARC, the ministry expressed concern that some broadcasters were airing “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content” while covering the conflict. It warned that such coverage could potentially trigger panic among viewers, particularly those with friends or family living in the affected regions or those directly residing there.
Government sources indicated that authorities had observed several news channels amplifying the conflict in ways that could heighten anxiety among audiences. The temporary suspension of TRP reporting is intended to reduce competitive pressure on channels to pursue higher ratings through dramatic or sensational content.
The ministry has invoked Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, dated January 16, 2014, which mandates that rating agencies comply with orders, regulations, and directions issued by the government from time to time.
BARC, which operates as the country’s official television audience measurement body under these policy guidelines, has been instructed to implement the suspension with immediate effect.
Officials said the government will closely monitor news coverage during the suspension period. The four-week pause could be extended if authorities believe that the risk of panic-inducing or sensational reporting persists.
