ArdorComm Media News Network
July 28, 2026
Television audience ratings in India will remain suspended for the time being, as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has informed Parliament that no audience measurement agency has been registered under the Television Ratings Policy, 2026.
Responding to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan stated that the new policy requires all television audience measurement agencies to obtain registration before they can operate. He confirmed that no organisation has been registered under the new framework so far.
The development means broadcasters, advertisers and media agencies continue to operate without official television audience ratings, as the industry has not yet transitioned to the new regulatory system. Although the ministry has been working with the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to implement the revised framework, it has not provided a timeline for the resumption of TV ratings.
According to the government, the Television Ratings Policy, 2026 replaces the 2014 Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies and introduces updated rules governing the registration, operations, auditing and oversight of audience measurement agencies.
The policy aims to improve transparency, accountability and independence in television audience measurement while encouraging greater competition in the sector. As part of these reforms, the minimum net worth requirement for television ratings agencies has been reduced from Rs 20 crore to Rs 5 crore, making it easier for new entrants to participate.
The new framework also adopts a technology-neutral approach, allowing audience measurement across traditional linear television, Connected TVs (CTV) and television channels available through OTT platforms.
Source: Economic Times