Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is studying the report submitted by an expert committee on audience measurements and suitable action will be be taken after a thorough review. 

“Based on the report of the committee headed by CEO, Prasar Bharati Shashi Vempati, along with recommendations of TRAI, the present (audience measurement) guidelines are being analyzed / evaluated vis-à-vis shortcomings, if any. Any modifications may involve a thorough and elaborate review of the paradigm,” MIB minister Prakash Javadekar informed Lok Sabha on February 5.

Responding to queries from fellow parliamentarians on the audience measurement ( popularly known as TRP) controversy involving possible manipulation of data by vested TV channels, Javadekar said the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has informed the government of its almost fool-proof data collection mechanism anfvtfst from time to structural changes are understated to strengthen the system.

“BARC had responded stating that apart from the Disciplinary Council’s action to maintain panel sanctity, BARC has actively pursued action against those involved in tampering the samples and has filed 11 FIRs through its vendor across many States. BARC stated that in its commitment to produce robust and credible data of TV viewership in India its system was able to detect anomalous viewership behaviour and the cases filed are also due to the strong data security and vigilance
system that BARC has set up.

“The data base on complaints is not centrally maintained. However, the issues pertaining to BARC are normally forwarded to BARC for appropriate action. In addition to the filing of FIRs, with a view to prevent instances of panel tempering and manipulation of audience measurement system, BARC regularly undertakes structural, regulatory and procedural changes as necessary to ensure that the viewership data so captured by BARC and its consequent reporting is as accurate and transparent as possible,” the minister clarified to his fellow parliamentarians.

Keeping in mind recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on BARC around 18 months back and the eruption of a controversy too last year a committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Executive Officer, Prasar Bharati with independent members from IIT, C-DOT and IIM. The Committee was tasked, inter alia, to study any issues related or incidental to the subject and make recommendations on way forward for a robust, transparent and accountable TV rating system in India.