NBF writes to BARC to resume ratings for news channels

New Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has written to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to resume release of audience measurement data for the news channels.

BARC had paused releasing ratings for news channels when the #TRPScam broke in October 2020, and stated that it was looking at ways to improve statistical robustness and would return in 8-12 weeks.

Since ratings haven’t resumed yet, NBF has written a letter to BARC’s new CEO, Nakul Chopra, which has been obtained by Campaign India.

The letter stated that there was no reason to pause the ratings only for one genre.

The letter added that the NBF believes there are corporate interests which are overshadowing the welfare of the industry. The letter states:

NBF is cognisant of the fact that a few entities, who chair the board of a so called “Industry body”, are gratifying their self-interest by seeking further pause in ratings, thus putting the larger industry welfare at stake. These handful national channels have dropped in pecking order just before the ratings were stalled. However, since ratings were stalled, they have been able to hold onto their competitive advantage in advertising rate.

As a matter of fact, out of the 400 news channels in the country, a vast majority are not members of such an industry organisation. Even their member news channels do not subscribe to the idea of pause in ratings.

The letter further added that the pause in ratings has caused a loss of credibility and revenue for channels.

The NBF has also requested BARC to include the former in all decisions it makes. Campaign India