#e4mExclusive: Kerala HC stays release of news TRPs without landing page data after AIDCF plea

The latest development comes close on the heels of BARC's decision to resume publishing news television ratings from June 11, without including landing page data

by Imran Fazal
Published: May 22, 2026 2:17 PM | 2 min read

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has filed for an interim stay on Clause 5.4.1 of the revised audience measurement framework concerning landing pages in television ratings at the Kerala High Court, which is also under consideration by the Supreme Court.
The Kerala High Court has requested a response from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and has temporarily halted the release of ratings that do not include landing page data, but has not suspended the implementation of MIB's TRP policy guidelines.
The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) plans to resume publishing news television ratings from June 11, excluding landing page data, a decision that has raised concerns among industry leaders about the impact on viewership behavior and ratings.
The ongoing legal proceedings are being closely monitored by various stakeholders in the broadcasting and advertising sectors, as the outcome may influence future audience measurement standards and the dynamics between broadcasters and distribution platforms.

The legal tussle around landing pages in television ratings has intensified, with the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) moving the Kerala High Court seeking an interim stay on Clause 5.4.1 of the revised audience measurement framework linked to landing pages.

The matter, which is also understood to be sub judice before the Supreme Court, came up before the Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas in the Kerala High Court. The court has asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to file its response on the interim application filed by AIDCF.

Moreover, the Kerala High Court has put a stay on releasing ratings without landing page data. Interestingly, the court has not put a stay on implementation of the TRP policy guidelines issued by MIB.

The latest development comes close on the heels of the Broadcast Audience Research Council’s (BARC) decision to resume publishing news television ratings from June 11, without including landing page data.

AIDCF confirmed the development to e4m.

Industry executives said the challenge pertains to provisions introduced as part of the revised framework governing audience measurement and treatment of landing pages. Industry leader from news broadcasting industry have maintained that mandatory or incentivised landing pages distort genuine viewership behaviour and disproportionately influence ratings.

Broadcasters, however, argue that landing pages are legitimate promotional tools and that excluding them entirely could impact discoverability, particularly in highly competitive news and entertainment genres.

The Kerala High Court proceedings are being closely tracked by broadcasters, distribution platform operators and advertisers, especially as the industry prepares for the return of weekly news ratings after a prolonged suspension.

The resumption of news ratings is expected to significantly impact advertising negotiations and channel positioning strategies ahead of the festive quarter.

BARC had earlier announced that it would restart publishing weekly data for the news genre from June 11, while keeping landing page impressions outside the measurement framework in the current phase.

Industry stakeholders said the outcome of the Kerala High Court matter could have wider implications for future audience measurement standards and the balance of power between broadcasters and distribution platforms.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the Centre files its reply.