New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen credibility and governance in India’s television viewership measurement system, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has proposed key amendments to its 2014 guidelines for television rating agencies. The draft amendments—now open to public consultation for 30 days—aim to streamline regulatory oversight, eliminate potential conflicts of interest, and enhance transparency in the television ratings ecosystem.
Among the significant proposed changes, rating agencies must now be companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on accountability and corporate compliance. In addition, the revised framework bars these agencies from undertaking consultancy or advisory roles that could interfere with their core function of providing impartial and independent ratings.
In a move that signals an intent to simplify the regulatory framework, the ministry has proposed the deletion of several clauses from the original 2014 policy, notably clauses 1.5 and 1.7, which deal with cross-holding restrictions and board-level participation by stakeholders in the broadcasting and advertising sectors. The deletion of the proviso attached to clause 1 further indicates a departure from earlier concessions made under the industry-led self-regulatory model.
The revised norms will apply not only to new entrants but also to currently registered television rating agencies, mandating compliance across the board.
The ministry’s move comes at a time when India’s broadcast ratings system has faced increased scrutiny over allegations of manipulation, lack of transparency, and conflicts of interest. The proposed amendments are widely seen as a step towards restoring credibility and trust in audience measurement data, which is critical for advertisers, broadcasters, and media planners alike.
Stakeholders and members of the public have been invited to submit their feedback via email at [email protected] within 30 days of the draft notification’s release.
The draft amendment order and the original 2014 policy guidelines are available on the ministry’s official website.
