Members of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) called for the immediate restoration of BARC television ratings at the organisation’s 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in New Delhi on today September 21.

According to a IBDF press release, broadcasters expressed concern that the prolonged suspension of ratings was affecting revenue visibility and expectations, especially during the festive season. They said the suspension had created uncertainty for advertisers, disrupted informed media planning and prevented broadcasters from fully realising the commercial potential of one of the most important periods of the year.

IBDF members said the early restoration of ratings was essential to rebuild advertiser confidence and prevent further commercial disruption across the broadcasting ecosystem. Industry leaders, including senior representatives of IBDF member organisations, attended the AGM.

The members unanimously welcomed the government’s recent decision to omit Rule 7(11) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, which prescribed the 10+2 advertisement-duration cap. They also welcomed TRAI’s subsequent repeal of the Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) Regulations, 2012.

The AGM expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and TRAI for addressing the industry’s long-standing demand and easing the regulatory constraint. Members also acknowledged IBDF’s constructive engagement with the government and the regulator in securing these outcomes.

Addressing the AGM, IBDF President Kevin Vaz highlighted television’s continued relevance and the importance of maintaining a united industry voice. He said television remains deeply connected with India’s social, cultural and economic life and continues to connect audiences across languages, regions and socio-economic groups.

Vaz also said that while broadcasters compete in the marketplace, members have consistently come together on issues affecting the long-term sustainability of broadcasting. He added that continued collaboration could help build a stronger, more competitive and sustainable future for Indian broadcasting.

According to IBDF, television revenues stood at approximately Rs 617 billion in 2025, accounting for around 22 percent of India’s Media and Entertainment sector. Television continues to reach approximately 831 million viewers every month and 745 million viewers every week.

IBDF Secretary General and CEO Avinash Pandey emphasised the importance of constructive dialogue, shared purpose and collective responsibility in advancing the industry’s interests. He said the past year had reaffirmed the importance of unity as the sector deals with a rapidly changing business and regulatory environment.

Pandey said there may be differences of opinion among industry members, but there should be no differences when it comes to the wider interests of the broadcasting ecosystem. He stressed that stakeholders should look beyond individual interests and focus on the long-term growth and sustainability of the industry.

The AGM also reviewed IBDF’s wider engagement with stakeholders on several critical issues, including the roadmap for forbearance, the evolving telecom regulatory framework, artificial intelligence, copyright, taxation, piracy and other regulatory matters affecting the sector.

Members stressed the importance of a forward-looking policy environment that encourages investment and innovation, protects consumer choice and supports sustainable growth in broadcasting.

The post-AGM luncheon was attended by dignitaries along with IBDF Board members, industry leaders and representatives of member organisations.

The IBDF Board of Directors includes President Kevin Vaz, who is also CEO-Entertainment at JioStar India Pvt. Ltd.; Vice President Gaurav Banerjee, MD and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks; Vice President Rajat Sharma, Chairman of India TV; and Vice President and Treasurer R. Mahesh Kumar, MD of Sun Network.

Other Board members include Anil Kumar Singhvi of Zee Media Corp. Ltd.; Aroon Purie, Chairman of TV Today; Ashish Sehgal, CEO and Chief Growth Officer of the TV Division at Zoom Entertainment; Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati; Jayant M. Mathew, Director at MMTV; and John Brittas, MD and Chief Editor of Malayalam Communications Ltd.

The Board also includes Nachiket Pantvaidya, Business Head of Sony Entertainment Television; Punit Goenka, CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.; and Sumanta Bose, Head of Cluster, Entertainment at JioStar India Pvt. Ltd., overseeing Star Plus and Bharat, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati.

About IBDF: The Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation is the largest body of television broadcasters in India. Established in 1999, IBDF represents the industry and is dedicated to promoting television broadcasting in, to and from India.

The more than 400 channels offered by IBDF members account for around 90 percent of television viewership in the country and reflect India’s diversity and plurality across languages and genres. IBDF works with industry stakeholders, policymakers, regulators and partners to support the growth of the television sector within India’s Media and Entertainment industry.