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In a significant development that could shake the foundation of India’s television ratings industry, the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has requested a preliminary report from the Kerala Police regarding allegations of ratings manipulation by a major regional television news channel in the state.
The ministry confirmed on Tuesday that it has taken cognizance of media reports claiming that a prominent Malayalam news channel attempted to inflate its Television Rating Points (TRPs) by allegedly bribing an employee of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, the country’s sole authorized television audience measurement body.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan, responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, stated that the government is treating these allegations with utmost seriousness. According to reports, the channel purportedly routed funds through channels designed to avoid detection, raising fundamental questions about the integrity of India’s television audience measurement system.
“In view of the allegations, a preliminary report, including details of action taken on the FIR reportedly filed in the matter, has been sought from the Director General of Police, Kerala,” Murugan said in his written reply to Parliament.
The case has drawn significant attention as television ratings in India operate under strict regulatory frameworks. The Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, established in 2014, mandate stringent norms regarding secrecy and privacy of panel homes that participate in viewership measurement, while requiring transparent, fair, and accountable audience measurement frameworks.
BARC India, responding to the controversy, acknowledged awareness of the report published by Malayalam news channel “Twenty-Four” that claimed involvement of a BARC India employee in the alleged ratings manipulation case. The measurement body stated it has engaged “a reputed independent agency to forthwith undertake a comprehensive forensic audit into the matter.”
“While the audit is underway, we would request all parties, including the media, to refrain from making any unverified or speculatory claims regarding the situation,” BARC said in its statement, adding that it “remains committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability towards its stakeholders.”
The ministry emphasized that it is closely monitoring developments in the case and warned that any attempt to compromise the credibility of the ratings ecosystem would face serious consequences. This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time for India’s media industry, which relies heavily on TRP metrics to determine advertising rates and channel viability.
The controversy also emerges amid ongoing regulatory reforms. The government has been actively working to strengthen transparency and integrity in audience measurement, having issued draft amendments to the 2014 policy guidelines on July 2, 2025. These proposed changes aim to promote fair competition among rating agencies, improve data accuracy and representation, and better account for evolving media consumption patterns across different regions and platforms.
After receiving feedback from stakeholders, a revised draft of the amendments was released on November 6, 2025, for further consultation, according to Murugan’s statement to the House.
“The Government continues to closely monitor developments to ensure the credibility and integrity of the television audience measurement system,” the minister affirmed.
The TRP manipulation case represents the latest challenge to India’s media measurement ecosystem, which has faced scrutiny in the past over methodology and transparency concerns. While the ministry has not yet commented on potential punitive actions against either the channel or BARC officials, the matter is expected to remain under close government scrutiny as the Kerala Police investigation progresses.
Industry observers note that any proven manipulation of ratings could have far-reaching consequences not just for the implicated channel but for advertiser confidence in the entire ratings system that underpins India’s multi-billion-dollar television industry.
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9 Comments
If proven true, this case underscores the vulnerabilities in India’s TV ratings system. Oversight bodies like BARC must have robust safeguards to prevent such manipulation attempts. Reliable audience metrics are crucial for the industry’s credibility.
This is a concerning development that highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight in the TV ratings industry. Manipulation of audience metrics could have serious implications for media and advertising.
Alleged TRP manipulation by a regional news channel is a serious matter that deserves a thorough investigation. Reliable audience measurement is crucial for the media industry and public discourse. I hope the probe uncovers the full truth.
Allegations of TRP manipulation by a regional news channel are quite serious. The government is right to demand a thorough investigation. Maintaining transparency and public trust in audience measurement is essential for the media sector.
This case highlights the need for robust oversight and transparency in India’s television ratings system. Maintaining the credibility of audience measurement is vital, as it shapes business decisions and influences public discourse. I’m interested to see the investigation’s findings.
This case raises questions about the potential for manipulation in India’s television ratings system. Maintaining robust and trustworthy audience measurement is crucial for the health of the media industry and public discourse.
The government’s prompt action in seeking a report from the Kerala Police is a positive step. Ensuring the integrity of TRP data is essential, as it impacts business decisions and media influence. I look forward to seeing the investigation’s findings.
The ministry’s swift response to look into these allegations is commendable. Maintaining the integrity of TV audience data is vital, as it informs business decisions and influences public discourse. I’m curious to see the Kerala police’s findings.
Alleged TRP manipulation by a regional news channel is troubling. Robust audience measurement is crucial for a healthy media ecosystem. I hope the investigation uncovers the full truth and leads to reforms, if needed.