BARC suspension, TV ratings policy under parliamentary lens

The government's proposed overhaul of India's television audience measurement ecosystem and its broader plan to bring broadcasting under a unified regulatory framework have come under parliamentary scrutiny, with Members of Parliament in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha seeking detailed clarifications from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the future of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), the proposed Television Ratings Policy, 2026, and the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026.

The questions set to be tabled in both Houses, indicate that lawmakers are seeking greater clarity on two significant policy initiatives that are expected to reshape India's broadcasting landscape. While one set of questions focuses on the future of television audience measurement and the regulatory framework governing ratings agencies, another examines the government's proposal to consolidate multiple broadcasting regulations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

Rajya Sabha Seeks Clarity on BARC and Television Ratings Policy

In the Rajya Sabha, Dr. John Brittas has raised a series of questions centred on the proposed Television Ratings Policy, 2026, placing the spotlight firmly on BARC, India's television audience measurement agency. He has asked whether the government has directed BARC to suspend the publication of television audience ratings across all genres pending registration under the proposed Television Ratings Policy, 2026. 

He has further sought to know, if such directions have indeed been issued, the reasons behind the suspension and the likely timeline for the resumption of ratings.

Brittas has also sought clarity on whether the government intends to permit multiple television audience measurement agencies under the new policy instead of the existing framework. He has further asked whether the Centre will have any role in the selection, registration, recognition, regulation or removal of such agencies, and what safeguards are being proposed to ensure their operational and functional independence.

He has additionally sought details of the major reforms envisaged under the Television Ratings Policy, 2026 to improve transparency, competition, sample coverage and the overall credibility of television audience measurement.

The questions come at a time when the industry is closely tracking the government's plans to introduce a new regulatory framework for television ratings. The parliamentary intervention suggests lawmakers are seeking greater clarity on whether the proposed policy could fundamentally alter the structure of television audience measurement by opening the sector to multiple agencies while redefining the government's oversight of the ecosystem.

Draft Broadcasting Rules Under Examination in Both Houses

Parliament has also turned its attention to the government's proposed Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026, which seek to consolidate multiple broadcasting guidelines into a single regulatory framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

In the Rajya Sabha, Members of Parliament Naresh Bansal, Dr. Kavita Patidar and Ramrao Sakharam Wadkute have asked whether the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released the draft rules and whether they are intended to consolidate existing broadcasting regulations into a unified framework. 

They have also sought details of the key features proposed under the draft rules, the timelines for their finalisation and implementation, and the measures being planned by the government to facilitate the industry's transition to the new regulatory architecture.

The issue has also been raised in the Lok Sabha, signalling that the proposed broadcasting reforms are drawing attention across both Houses of Parliament. Lok Sabha MPs Mukeshkumar Chandrakant Dalal and Dineshbhai Makwana have sought confirmation on whether the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 have been released and have requested details of their principal features.

They have also asked about the government's implementation roadmap and the measures proposed to support broadcasters and other stakeholders during the transition to the new framework.

The Lok Sabha members have further sought information on whether the draft rules contain specific provisions aimed at promoting emerging digital media, strengthening local broadcasters and community radio, and improving broadcasting infrastructure in rural and remote regions. 

Their questions also ask whether the government is considering special measures under the proposed framework to improve digital connectivity and expand local broadcasting networks in remote areas of Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh through the establishment of new information centres and community radio stations.

Parliament Seeks Roadmap for Broadcasting Reforms

Taken together, the questions raised in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha indicate that Parliament is examining not only the government's broader broadcasting reforms but also the future of India's television audience measurement ecosystem. 

The focus on BARC, the possibility of allowing multiple ratings agencies, the independence of audience measurement institutions and the consolidation of broadcasting regulations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 suggests lawmakers are seeking clarity on how the proposed reforms will affect broadcasters, advertisers, measurement agencies, local broadcasters and the wider media industry.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is now expected to formally respond to the questions in Parliament. The replies are likely to provide the first official indications on the future of BARC under the proposed Television Ratings Policy, 2026, the government's approach towards television audience measurement, and the implementation roadmap for the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026.