News Broadcasting
NBF implores Barc India to resume TV ratings
Mumbai: The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has once again written to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India seeking immediate resumption of TV ratings for news channels. The letter dated 28 January is addressed to the chairperson and members of the board of directors of Barc India.
The ratings for news channels were suspended in October 2020 and are yet to be resumed despite the I&B ministry’s directive.
Highlighting that its member news channels have been paying Barc subscriptions even during the blackout period of 16 months, the NBF implored Barc to release the news genre data by 3 February 2022 (Thursday). However, no data has been released till the filing of the report.
“We would like to bring to light how numerous advertisers, have publicly and individually, iterated the need for the return of ratings. In absence of ratings, the entire industry is suffering and faces a steeper challenge with every delay by Barc,” NBF stated.
The representative body also highlighted that in a sworn affidavit dated 17 August 2021, the Bombay high court had stated that the defendant (referring to Barc) will restore access to the weekly channel data as and when, and if, this is permitted by the government or the regulator. If on the other hand, the government permits the release of all weekly channel data, including for past periods, the defendant will supply that to the plaintiffs. “Now that the government has categorically called for the release of ratings, it is baffling and unfathomable why Barc is refusing to act,” wrote NBF.
The ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) on 12 January 2021 had asked Barc to release news ratings with immediate effect and also release the last three months’ data. When queried by a journalist on Twitter, TRP committee chairperson Shashi Shekhar Vempati also stated, “I am hopeful that ratings for the news genre are resumed at the earliest. I see no reason for Barc India to further delay the matter.”
While the rating agency has decided to remain mum on the issue, several news reports have indicated that ratings will return only in March.
News Broadcasting
Rising Bharat Summit 2026 spotlights India’s global ascent
PM Modi keynotes two-day event with ministers, diplomats and icons in New Delhi.
MUMBAI: India didn’t just host a summit, it threw a coming-out party for a nation ready to own the global stage. The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, held on 27–28 February in New Delhi, emerged as a high-octane platform for ideas, vision and strategic dialogue, uniting national leadership, global policymakers, industry titans, defence strategists and cultural icons under the theme “Strength Within”.
Prime minister Narendra Modi set the tone with a keynote that framed India’s resurgence as a reclaiming of lost potential built over generations. “In previous industrial revolutions, India and the Global South were merely followers,” he said. “But in the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is a partner in decisions and shaping them.” He highlighted the country’s thriving AI startup ecosystem and the recent AI Impact Summit attended by over 100 nations.
Union minister Piyush Goyal (Commerce & Industry) stressed India’s readiness to scale exports and deepen manufacturing, while Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways, I&B, Electronics & IT) positioned technology and infrastructure as twin engines of growth, especially in AI and digital trust. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Communications & North East Development) revealed India’s ambition to lead in 6G through the Bharat 6G Alliance and partnerships with over 30 countries.
Global voices added depth: former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo called India’s development “self-sustaining” and strategically vital; ex-UK Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter asserted India deserves a seat at the great powers’ table; and former US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined ambassadors from Norway, Germany and Sweden in discussions on geopolitical realignment, sustainability and defence preparedness.
Other speakers included veteran investor Ramesh Damani, World Gold Council CEO David Tait, Vianai Systems founder Dr Vishal Sikka, DeepTech Bharat Foundation co-founder Shashi Shekhar Vempati, defence experts Rajesh Kumar Singh, Sunil Ambekar, Patrick McGee, Tom Cooper and Adrian Fontanellaz, plus cultural and sporting icons Kangana Ranaut, Saina Nehwal, PR Sreejesh, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mithali Raj, Anil Kapoor and Yami Gautam.
The summit was supported by Jio Financial Services (Presenting Partner), Phonepe and DS Group (Co-Presenting Partners), Pernod Ricard India and Kia Seltos (Powered By & Driven By), state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand (State Partners), and associate partners including NSE, M3M Foundation and Reliance Industries.
Broadcast live across News18 Network, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz, the event reinforced India’s image as a confident democracy and emerging global power proving that when strength comes from within, the world can’t help but watch.
