#e4mExclusive:  BARC to resume news TRPs from June 11 without landing page data

The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India is set to resume publishing television rating points (TRPs) for news channels from June 11, marking the end of a temporary suspension ordered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting earlier this year, e4m has learnt. The reinstatement comes with a significant methodological change — the exclusion of landing page viewership data from ratings calculations — a move expected to reshape audience measurement dynamics across the television news industry.

The development follows weeks of consultations among broadcasters, regulators, and BARC officials after concerns resurfaced over the distortionary impact of “landing pages” on news channel ratings. Landing pages refer to channels that automatically appear when viewers switch on their television sets, thereby garnering inflated impressions without active viewer choice.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry in March directed BARC to withhold weekly ratings for news channels for four weeks amid concerns over sensational coverage of the conflict involving the United States and Iran. The suspension was subsequently extended citing the need for a review of the existing measurement framework as industry stakeholders deliberated on a revised ratings methodology.

Also read: MIB suspends TV news ratings for four weeks amid concerns over sensational war coverage

Decision to suspend BARC ratings extended by four weeks

BARC to omit landing page ratings, mandates weekly disclosure by broadcasters

Industry executives said the June 11 relaunch is expected to restore advertiser confidence and provide greater transparency in audience measurement. The revised methodology is likely to particularly impact channels that had benefited disproportionately from landing page arrangements with distribution platforms.

The issue of landing pages has remained contentious since the TRP manipulation controversy that erupted in 2020, when several broadcasters accused rival networks of artificially boosting viewership through channel placement tactics. Complaints filed with regulators at the time alleged that certain channels appeared as default channels on cable networks, leading to inflated impressions and skewed ratings. 

BARC had subsequently paused publication of individual news genre ratings amid mounting scrutiny over the integrity of audience measurement systems. Since then, the industry has repeatedly debated reforms to ensure that ratings reflect genuine viewer preferences rather than distribution-driven visibility.

Executives from leading broadcast networks said the exclusion of landing page data could significantly alter weekly rankings in the Hindi and regional news genres, where distribution deals have historically played a major role in driving reach metrics. Channels with stronger organic audiences are expected to benefit from the revised system.

Media buyers and advertisers have welcomed the move, arguing that cleaner data will improve planning efficiency and make advertising spends more accountable. According to agency executives, the earlier methodology often rewarded distribution muscle over content engagement, making it difficult to assess actual viewer loyalty.

The return of news ratings is also expected to revive advertising momentum in the news television segment, which has seen cautious spending patterns during the suspension period. Several broadcasters had expressed concerns that the absence of ratings created uncertainty in media planning and weakened revenue negotiations.

BARC India, the industry-backed television audience measurement body jointly owned by broadcasters, advertisers, and advertising agencies, has been working on strengthening data validation and panel oversight mechanisms over the past few years. The organisation has also introduced tighter compliance protocols to improve credibility in the wake of the ratings controversy.

The resumption of ratings comes at a crucial time for the television news industry, which continues to face pressure from digital platforms and changing consumption habits.

 Broadcasters believe that a more credible ratings framework could help restore trust among advertisers and provide a clearer picture of audience behaviour in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.