BARC once again chose to remain silent to the News Broadcasters Federation’s letter reiterating for resumption of news channels ratings from Feb 3.
In a letter dated January 28th NBF stated that despite the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on 12 January 2021 asking BARC to release the News ratings with immediate effect and also to release the last three months data by February 3rd BARC has mysteriously been reluctant to release the data.
NBF in the letter reffered to the affidavit sworn by BARC dated 17 August 2021 before the High Court of Bombay which stated, “the Defendant will restore access to the Weekly Channel Data as and when, and if, this is permitted by the Government or the regulator”.
The affidavit further stated, “If on the other hand, the Government permits the release of all Weekly Channel Data, including for past periods, the Defendant will supply that to the Plaintiffs.” Now that the Government of India has categorically called for the release of ratings, it is baffling and unfathomable why BARC is refusing to act,” the letter read.
The letter further stated, “We have been given to understand as part of the various discussions with BARC at various levels, that it takes 3 days for the release of ratings. Therefore, it is incomprehensible and indecipherable as to what was holding BARC back from releasing ratings for the news genre by 20th January 2022.”
The letter also mentioned how numerous advertisers, have publicly and individually, iterated the need for the return of ratings.
“In absence of ratings, the entire industry is suffering and faces a stepper challenge with every delay by BARC,” the letter read.
