Government Notifies New TV Rating Policy for Transparency

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has notified a new Television Rating Policy aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and independence in audience measurement. The policy introduces structural reforms in rating agencies, strengthens audit mechanisms, and expands the scale of data collection to improve reliability.

Key Changes in Eligibility and Governance

A major reform is the reduction in the net worth requirement for TV rating agencies from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore, enabling wider participation. To ensure independence, the policy mandates that at least 50% of the Board of Directors must be independent, with no links to broadcasters, advertisers, or advertising agencies. Additionally, rating agencies are barred from undertaking consultancy roles that may lead to conflicts of interest.

Expansion of Measurement Infrastructure

The policy requires agencies to significantly expand their reach by increasing metered homes to 80,000 within 18 months, with a long-term target of 1.2 lakh homes. Existing agencies must meet initial scaling targets within six months. Data collection will include all television screens within these households, ensuring comprehensive and representative audience measurement.

Transparency, Data Disclosure and Audits

To promote transparency, agencies must publish detailed methodologies and anonymised data on their websites. A dual-audit system has been introduced, comprising quarterly internal audits and annual external audits. The government will also establish an Audit and Oversight Team for inspections. Compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is mandatory to safeguard user privacy.

Important Facts for Exams

• Net worth requirement reduced from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore
• 50% Board members must be independent directors
• Metered homes to increase up to 1.2 lakh
• Dual audit system with internal and external audits introduced

Other Key Provisions and Policy Impact

The policy excludes landing page viewership from rating calculations, allowing it only as a marketing tool. Broadcasters must disclose landing page availability to rating agencies. It also introduces grievance redressal mechanisms, nodal officers, and graded penalties for violations. Additionally, TV distribution and OTT platforms can publish periodic viewership data without prior registration. This policy replaces the 2014 guidelines and aims to foster a fair and competitive broadcasting ecosystem.