BARC Decides to Pause Ratings For News Channels

The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) of India on October 15 announced that it will stop rating the channels that come under 'news genre' for a short period. The decision came after a number of news channels allegedly faked their Television Rating Points (TRP) which came to light owing to an investigation by the Mumbai police. The statement further read that this would apply to all Hindi, Regional, English and Business News channels with immediate effect. Reportedly, the ratings will be halted for 8-12 weeks until the current data collection measures are re-worked. CEO of BARC India Sunil Lulla said, “BARC is actively exploring several options to discourage unlawful inducement of its panel home viewers.” Lulla added that the firm is strengthening its Code of Conduct to address viewership malpractices.