#e4mExclusive:  MIB directs GTPL Hathway to stop publishing TV ratings; company takes down RPD data

GTPL Hathway has taken down its television viewership data following a notice from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) directing the company to stop publishing ratings, industry sources have indicated.

The Ministry has reportedly flagged a violation of the Television Rating Policy, 2026. However, GTPL has not received clarity on the specific provisions of the policy that it is alleged to have violated.

Following the notice, GTPL has voluntarily taken down the television viewership ratings published through its Return Path Data (RPD)-based measurement framework. The company is understood to have decided to resume publication only after receiving clarification from the Ministry.

Read On: GTPL Hathway launches TV viewership measurement framework amid ratings freeze

Interestingly, the digital data component of GTPL's measurement framework continues to remain available, while the television viewership data generated through RPD has been removed. This indicates that the immediate action has been limited to the TV ratings component of the framework.

The development comes shortly after GTPL Hathway introduced its television audience measurement framework in October, at a time when the publication of industry-wide television ratings remained suspended. The initiative was aimed at providing broadcasters, advertisers and media agencies with additional insights into television consumption.

As first reported earlier by exchange4media, GTPL's framework used data from more than 10,000 RPD-enabled set-top boxes spread across over 200 towns and approximately 3,000 PIN codes. The company had also outlined plans to expand its measurement sample to around 50,000 households over the following months.

The framework covered nearly 1,000 television channels and included a separate measurement system for digital advertising properties available through GTPL's set-top boxes.

The MIB's intervention raises questions about the regulatory interpretation of the Television Rating Policy, 2026, particularly around the publication of platform-derived viewership data by distribution platform operators.

The policy, notified in March 2026, lays down a regulatory framework for television rating agencies, including registration, operational requirements, audits and compliance obligations. It also provides for technology-neutral audience measurement across multiple viewing platforms.

For now, GTPL's television ratings initiative remains on hold, pending further clarity from the Ministry. The company is expected to take a call on resuming publication once the regulatory concerns are addressed.