Mumbai: The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has once again written to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India seeking immediate resumption of TV ratings for news channels. The letter dated 28 January is addressed to the chairperson and members of the board of directors of Barc India.
The ratings for news channels were suspended in October 2020 and are yet to be resumed despite the I&B ministry's directive.
Highlighting that its member news channels have been paying Barc subscriptions even during the blackout period of 16 months, the NBF implored Barc to release the news genre data by 3 February 2022 (Thursday). However, no data has been released till the filing of the report.
"We would like to bring to light 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 steeper challenge with every delay by Barc," NBF stated.
The representative body also highlighted that in a sworn affidavit dated 17 August 2021, the Bombay high court had stated that the defendant (referring to Barc) will restore access to the weekly channel data as and when, and if, this is permitted by the government or the regulator. 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 has categorically called for the release of ratings, it is baffling and unfathomable why Barc is refusing to act," wrote NBF.
The ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) on 12 January 2021 had asked Barc to release news ratings with immediate effect and also release the last three months’ data. When queried by a journalist on Twitter, TRP committee chairperson Shashi Shekhar Vempati also stated, “I am hopeful that ratings for the news genre are resumed at the earliest. I see no reason for Barc India to further delay the matter.”
While the rating agency has decided to remain mum on the issue, several news reports have indicated that ratings will return only in March.
