New TV Ratings Policy 2026 aims to boost transparency and accountability

The government has unveiled the TV Ratings Policy 2026, a new framework designed to make television audience measurement more transparent, independent and accountable, while also encouraging greater competition in the sector. 

The policy replaces the 2014 guidelines and seeks to promote fair practices, improve accuracy in viewership data and strengthen oversight across the broadcasting ecosystem.

One of the key changes is a major reduction in entry barriers for companies wanting to operate as TV rating agencies. The minimum net worth requirement has been lowered from Rs 20 crore to Rs 5 crore, a move aimed at attracting new players and increasing competition.

To ensure neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest, the policy mandates that at least half of the board members of rating agencies must be independent and should not have links with broadcasters, advertisers or advertising agencies. Agencies are also barred from taking consultancy assignments that could compromise their impartiality.

The policy focuses on improving data accuracy by expanding the sample size to 80,000 metered homes within 18 months. Existing agencies have been given six months to meet this requirement, and the sample size will eventually be scaled up to 1.2 lakh homes.

The measurement system has been made technology-neutral, covering viewership across cable, DTH, OTT platforms and connected TVs, while capturing data from all screens within selected households.

Transparency and data privacy have also been prioritised. Rating agencies must publish their methodologies and anonymised data on their websites and comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 to safeguard viewers’ personal information. 

To enhance accountability, the policy introduces a dual-audit system involving quarterly internal audits and annual external audits. The Ministry will also set up an Audit and Oversight Team to carry out periodic field inspections.
 

With inputs from IANS