#e4mExclusive:  BARC releases ratings for Chardikla despite MIB embargo; complaint filed

The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has released television ratings for Chardikla channel under the news genre, triggering fresh controversy over the publication of news viewership data even as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's (MIB) direction on withholding such ratings remains in force and the issue continues to be heard by the Kerala High Court, according to industry stakeholders.

The development has prompted a formal complaint to both the MIB and BARC, alleging that the release of ratings is inconsistent with the ministry's direction and could amount to a violation while the matter remains sub judice before the Kerala High Court, highly placed sources confirmed to e4m.

According to the complaint, Chardikla, which is classified under the news genre, was assigned audience ratings in BARC's latest data release despite the ministry having directed that news genre ratings should not be published until further orders. The complainant has sought immediate intervention from the ministry and requested BARC to withdraw the published ratings and clarify the basis on which the data was released.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of ongoing litigation over the implementation of the Centre's Television Ratings Policy, 2026. In May, the Kerala High Court stayed the implementation of a key provision relating to the treatment of landing page viewership, following petitions filed by the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) and DEN Networks. The court's interim order effectively maintained the status quo pending further hearings.

Separately, the ministry had directed BARC to withhold publication of television ratings for news channels until further directions, amid the evolving legal position. The directive was issued to ensure that no complications arise while issues relating to the revised ratings framework are under judicial consideration.

Industry executives said the publication of ratings for a news channel, despite the ministry's direction, could raise questions over regulatory compliance and the implementation of the government's instructions. They added that clarity from both the ministry and BARC would be critical to avoid further uncertainty in the television audience measurement ecosystem.

The complaint submitted to the ministry and BARC argues that selective publication of ratings undermines the integrity of the audience measurement framework and risks creating confusion among news broadcasters, advertisers and distribution platform operators. It has requested the ministry to examine whether the release was consistent with its directive and to take appropriate action if any violation is found.

The issue has also drawn attention to a broader industry practice involving channels licensed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) under the news and current affairs genre but carrying a mix of programming, including general entertainment and sports content. 

Despite their varied programming, these channels continue to be classified as news channels based on their MIB licence, and BARC has continued to publish audience ratings for them under the news genre. Industry executives argue that the release of ratings for such channels raises questions over the consistent implementation of the ministry's direction to withhold news genre ratings, particularly while the matter remains under judicial consideration.

The dispute over television ratings has intensified in recent months following the government's decision to overhaul the audience measurement framework. The revised policy seeks to eliminate the impact of landing page viewership from ratings calculations, a move opposed by cable operators but supported by several news broadcasters who argue that landing pages artificially inflate audience figures.

The Kerala High Court is continuing to hear challenges to the revised framework, with the Centre defending the policy as a measure to improve the credibility and transparency of television audience measurement. 

BARC did not respond to queries from e4m seeking comment on the release of Chardikla's ratings or the complaint filed with the ratings body and the ministry.