TRAI recommends overhaul in governance structure of BARC India

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended a major overhaul in the governance structure and operational framework of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, the joint-industry body for TV audience measurement.

Since 2015, BARC has been the sole provider of TV rating services in the country. However, after concerns of neutrality and reliability, were raised by various stakeholders, TRAI had initiated suo-motu review and consultation process on Television Audience Measurement and Ratings System in India.

TRAI believes there is a need for development of multiple data collection and rating agencies and once that happens, BARC India should limit its role, to publishing the TV ratings, framing methodology and audit mechanism for the rating agencies.