TRP reporting for TV news channels withheld for another four weeks

New Delhi: The government has extended for four weeks its order to withhold the reporting of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for TV news channels with the aim of "curbing display of sensationalism and speculative content" amidst the West Asia conflict.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had on March 6 issued the first directive to the television rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately withhold reporting the TRPs for TV news channels for a period of four weeks or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

"The said direction was aimed towards curbing the display of unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content by some news genre channels amidst the West Asia conflict, which may potentially create panic among the general public, especially those having friends and family in the affected areas or residing in affected areas," the fresh order from the Ministry said, adding the "conflict situation still largely prevails at the moment".

In the public interest, the Ministry said, it directs M/s BARC to withhold reporting the TRPs for news TV channels for a further period of four weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier.

According to the 'Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India', issued by the Ministry on January 16, 2014, for television rating, BARC is a registered television rating agency.

Clause 24.2 of the policy guidelines prescribes that: "The company shall be required to comply with any orders, regulations, guidelines, directions, etc., issued by the Ministry from time to time."