Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) on April 7 directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to continue withholding the publication of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for an additional four weeks, or until further orders, citing concerns over sensationalism and speculative reporting related to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
“According to the direction, whereas the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had issued a Direction dated 06.03.2026 to M/s Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), a Television Rating agency, to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPS) for News TV Channels for a period of four (4) weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier,” the I&B Ministry said.
The directive is aimed at curbing the broadcast of exaggerated and unverified content by certain news channels, which the Government believes could create panic among viewers.
“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 the affected areas,” the I&B said.
This comes as the conflict situation still largely prevails at the moment. “Whereas the conflict situation still largely prevails at the moment; Therefore, in the public interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting hereby directs M/s BARC to withhold reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPS) for News TV Channels for a further period of four (4) weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier,” the Ministry said in its statement.
