I&B Ministry proposes opening TV ratings to more agencies besides BARC
On 2 July 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released draft amendments to the 2014 Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, removing restrictive provisions to allow more players besides BARC.
Summary
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released draft amendments on 2 July 2025 to the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, originally issued in 2014 (static), removing restrictive provisions for media houses so that more players besides the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) can measure television audiences. The ministry noted that India has about 230 million TV households but only about 58,000 people meters, or 0.025% of TV homes, and that current measurement does not capture viewing on smart TVs, streaming devices and mobiles. Feedback was invited within 30 days.
Key facts
- Draft
- Amendments to Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, released 2 July 2025
- Guidelines (static)
- Originally issued in 2014
- Aim
- Allow more agencies besides BARC
- Data
- ~230 million TV households; ~58,000 people meters (0.025%)
- Feedback
- Within 30 days
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The draft amendments released on 2 July 2025 aim to allow more TV rating agencies besides which existing body?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Broadcast Audience Research Council
I&B Ministry: the draft removes restrictive provisions to allow more players besides the current BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council).
According to the I&B Ministry (July 2025), about how many people meters are used to capture TV viewership in India?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 58,000
I&B Ministry: only about 58,000 people meters are presently used, representing just 0.025% of the roughly 230 million TV homes.
The Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, proposed for amendment in July 2025, were originally issued in which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 2014
I&B Ministry: the ministry proposed amendments to the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, originally issued in 2014.