MAM
BARC assures that its TV rating system will be credible
MUMBAI: Television ratings agencies seem to be the flavour of the season. On the one hand, Kantar Research, one of TAM Media’s major shareholders, has moved the Delhi HC against the Union Government’s new guidelines on cross holding restrictions. While on the other, up-and-coming ratings agency Broadcaster Audience Research Council (BARC), slated for a 1 October launch, has announced a tieup with France-based Mediametrie for technology services and licensing of a TV metering system.
BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta and BARC Technology Committee member Paritosh Joshi spoke to CNBC TV18 about what to expect in the new set up.
“The ratings agency is the one which will own the data and put it out – which is BARC in our case. So there will be ways of getting the information such as technology, panel etc. but it will all be owned and put out by BARC,” said Dasgupta, implying that the final agency will have to be free of cross ownership although its suppliers could have any type of ownership.
Joshi revealed that two big chunks of work had already been completed – that is assessing panel homes and technology within them. “The panel will emerge out of the Indian Readership Survey (IRS), which is out now. The people meter devices will be built on retail hardware that can be bought from Mumbai’s Lamington road and not proprietary equipment. Now, we only need a panel management agency,” said he, pointing out they had already received offers for the same.
Asked about the credibility of BARC, Dasgupta said they have an adequate system in place. “We have broken the piece up into panel management people, who know homes but don’t have the visibility of data that comes through GSM lines straight to our servers. We have technology people, who have visibility to data but they don’t know the homes, just the ID. What we are trying to achieve is that the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. From the integrity point of view, we are not taking any chance,” he clarified.
However, BARC has not yet got a system to address the issues of niche channels. “The World over niche channels have not been measured like we do it here. But we may do it differently,” said Dasgupta ambiguously in the interview to CNBC TV18.
As things stand, the industry has been yelping and running for cover fearing a ratings’ blackout. But Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari says that a ratings-dark period should not be a cause for alarm.
“This isn’t the first time that ratings have been suspended. Even before, it has happened because the industry wanted it,” said the minister candidly when probed on this during an interview to CNBC TV 18.
He pointed out that one of the main reasons for digitisation was to reduce dependency on advertising revenue and increase subscription revenue. “With the technology now, the STBs have the capability. A little engineering is needed and then you can reach 15 crore homes by putting a small chip that will let you know who is watching what in real time; be it satellite, IPTV, DTH or terrestrial,” he informed.
Tewari was also critical of the way TAM has been operating. “The way the arrangement was working – where you are the advertiser as well as the broadcaster and you are also taking out ratings. This conflict needed to be addressed,” he stressed.
Many drivers assume basic coverage is just a formality until an accident involving someone else brings legal notices, compensation claims, and unexpected financial pressure. At that point, the real importance of car insurance becomes clear. A single road incident can quickly create obligations that are difficult to manage alone.
In this blog, you will learn how third-party online cover supports legal safety, what it includes, and why securing it online is a smart first step.
Why Third-Party Insurance is Legally Mandatory
Indian motor law requires vehicles used on public roads to carry third-party liability cover. The intent is to protect the public by ensuring there is a recognised route for compensation when a vehicle causes harm to others.
If a vehicle is driven without this cover, penalties can apply, and the owner may have to pay the compensation amount personally if legal liability is decided against them. This helps ensure that people who suffer loss are not left without support.
How Third-Party Online Insurance Works
When third party car insurance is purchased online, the proposer shares vehicle and personal details, pays the premium, and receives the policy document in digital form. The cover applies during the policy period and provides legal liability protection for others arising from the use of the insured vehicle.
If an incident leads to a claim, the process usually involves reporting, submitting required papers, and following the steps set by the authority handling the matter.
What is Covered Under Third-Party Insurance?
This cover is designed to pay for losses suffered by others when legal liability is established. The response depends on the policy terms, the evidence, and the decision made during the claim proceedings.
Bodily Injury to Third Party
If someone else is injured in an accident involving the insured vehicle, the policy can cover the insured person’s legal liability. Compensation is assessed using medical records and other supporting documents, along with findings on responsibility. Payment is made based on the final compensation amount decided in the case, as per the policy terms.
Property Damage
If another person’s property is damaged, the policy can respond to the insured person’s liability for that loss, within the limit mentioned in the policy. The amount is generally based on documents that support ownership and the assessed repair or replacement cost. Timely reporting and clear paperwork can reduce delays in assessment.
Legal Support During Claim Proceedings
Third-party claims can involve notices, hearings, and filings because they focus on legal liability. Under the policy terms, the insurer may assist in organising documents and managing parts of the defence process through appointed representatives. This can support orderly communication and reduce missed deadlines.
What is Not Covered
Third-party cover is narrow, so some common expenses are excluded. These exclusions are common, but the exact details depend on the policy terms.
â—Ź Damage to the insured vehicle is not covered, including repair costs.
● Loss or damage to the insured person’s belongings is not covered.
â—Ź Injury cover for the owner-driver or passengers is typically separate.
â—Ź Claims linked to use that breaches policy terms may not be payable.
â—Ź Contractual promises beyond legal liability are generally not included unless stated.
Why Buying Online Strengthens Legal Safety
Buying online does not change legal duties, but it can make compliance easier to maintain and easier to prove. Digital records also support clarity if cover dates are questioned after an incident.
â—Ź Digital issuance can reduce the risk of an accidental gap in cover.
â—Ź A stored e-policy can be retrieved quickly when proof is requested.
â—Ź Receipts and time stamps help confirm when the policy was active.
â—Ź Online renewals can support timely payment and avoid lapsed cover.
â—Ź Clear documents make limits and required steps easier to understand.
Conclusion
Third-party liability cover is a direct step towards legal protection because it covers losses suffered by others when a vehicle causes harm. It supports compliance and reduces the risk of penalties for uninsured driving. Buying online can help keep policy documents, dates, and receipts easy to retrieve during checks and claim proceedings. When the cover’s scope and exclusions are understood in advance, it becomes easier to stay compliant, prepared, and confident on the road.
