MAM
NDTV’s reasons for filing the lawsuit against TAM in New York
MUMBAI: Why New York? This is the question those keenly following the NDTV’s lawsuit against TAM Media Research would want answered.
For the past several years, news broadcaster NDTV (New Delhi Television Ltd) has been making a noise against manipulation of the audience measurement or television viewership ratings in India. It had been drawing the attention of TAM towards corrupt means employed by some of the representatives of TAM and by some broadcasters to engineer television ratings.
TAM is the monopoly television ratings service provider in India, owned by US-based Nielsen group and global communications agency WPP group companies Kantar Media Research and Cavendish Square Holdings.
Every time NDTV escalated the issue of manipulation of TAM TV ratings and demanded corrective steps, TAM would refer the matter to its parent companies Nielsen and Kantar. All the meetings that were held with NDTV during the period were led by Nielsen and Kantar officials on behalf of TAM, going by the narrations in the NDTV’s lawsuit against TAM.
All the assurances of corrective steps to make TV ratings in India fool-proof were given to NDTV by senior officials from Nielsen and Kantar. NDTV says it relied on the direct and unequivocal promises made by senior officers of The Nielsen Company, the Kantar Group and Nielsen and, hence, did not take any further steps to influence necessary remedial measures.
“Those promises have been broken, and NDTV has suffered losses as (a) direct result of those broken promises. Under New York law, each of these Defendants is liable to NDTV whether or not they had control over TAM’s operations,” NDTV states in its lawsuit.
NDTV’s case is that Nielsen and Kantar, despite their explicit promises to address rampant corruption in TV ratings processes in India, have negligently, deliberately and wilfully failed and refused to discontinue publication of corrupted data, failed to increase sample size and failed to increase security measures, all of which they knew they should have done, at the latest, after the January 20 2012 meeting.
The failure constitutes negligence, gross negligence, reckless disregard of duties and the various other causes of action set forth in the lawsuit, it says.
NDTV argued that the negligence includes, but not limited to, negligence per se for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). TAM‘s largest shareholder, Nielsen primarily operates out of the US and the processes for measuring television ratings are that of Nielsen.
NDTV would have believed that a severe indictment of TAM’s parents is possible under the US legal system that governs corporate functioning. Filing of such a case in India would have been a futile exercise as corporate governance standards are very low and the laws governing them are weak compared to the US.
TAM owners have persistently avoided providing funds to TAM required to increase the sample size for television ratings, so that manipulation becomes that much more difficult.
NDTV is harping on the fact that TAM, though a company registered in India, functions like a department of Nielsen and Kantar. And that Nielsen, which was a few years ago acquired by private equity investors, was on a cost-cutting drive prompted by the investors, now the sponsors (or in Indian parlance promoters) of the company.
NDTV said one method adopted by Nielsen for cutting costs is to refuse to increase sample sizes to adequate levels. Another method is to place the Nielsen process in markets, such as India, the Philippines and Turkey, without making suitable adjustments for local conditions. The need to make such suitable adjustments is recognised, but not followed, by Nielsen.
Indeed, in its 2011 Annual Report, Nielsen acknowledges that there are additional costs for implementing the Nielsen process in emerging markets, such as China, Russia, India and Brazil, but Nielsen has consistently refused to incur such additional costs, including a refusal to increase sample size and adopt adequate security measures in India.
Such cost cutting or cost avoidance measures, motivated by corporate greed, have resulted in violations of Nielsen’s duties to NDTV, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, violations of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (as the other TAM parent is also governed by the Dutch law) and are the direct and proximate cause of NDTV’s damages.
TAM has sold the ratings analyses generated by the Nielsen process by explicitly stating that it is using the process created, developed and implemented by Nielsen to generate ratings analyses, that is owned by Nielsen and Kantar, the leading provider of such services across the globe, that it is backed both financially as well as technologically by Nielsen and Kantar, the international giants in the field, and that, therefore, the data collected must be reliable. Indeed, TAM has presented slides at various presentations to support such assertions.
Following NDTV’s complaint in January 2012, senior officials from Nielsen and Kantar attended several meetings with NDTV in January, February and April of 2012 and have been making decisions as well as providing (now known to be false) assurances to NDTV.
Two critical witnesses in this case are Robert Messemer, Chief Security Officer, The Nielsen Company, and Paul Donato, Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer, Nielsen, who conducted a full investigation into the manipulation of TAM data, NDTV points out in the lawsuit. Both Robert and Paul are based in the US. Furthermore, the actual evidence regarding the manipulation in TAM data is on the laptops seized by Robert Messemer during the course of his investigations in India and taken to the US for further analysis.
As known to Nielsen, Kantar, TAM, at all relevant times, the corruption in the collection and dissemination of TAM data is rampant in India, is pervasive and is carried out at various levels. It was incumbent on Kantar and Nielsen to ensure at all times that the acts and operations of TAM, as exercised through the Nielsen process, were in accordance with international standards including maintaining such standards by way of adequate systems, training, safeguards and oversight. Nielsen and Kantar failed to follow such standards, as they later admitted in January, February and April 2012.
The facts, as presented by NDTV, probably make a stronger case against Nielsen and Kantar in the US, where the justice system is swift and has no concern for the status of the defendants.
Summer comes with intense sun exposure, sweat, and excess oil. The result is tanning, dullness, and uneven skin tone. Your skin may continue to appear tired if your routine stays the same. Therefore, a detan face wash is essential.
It can remove tan, cleanse thoroughly, and restore your natural glow when paired with a tan removal face mask, without over-drying your skin. Understanding how it works and why it matters will help you use it to get the desired results.
What Is a Detan Face Wash?
A detan face wash is a cleanser for addressing sun tan, pigmentation, and buildup caused by UV exposure and pollution.
It works on the following aspects.
- Surface cleansing by removing dirt, oil, and sweat.
- Mild exfoliation to remove dead skin cells.
How it works?
Function What it does? Exfoliation Removes dead, pigmented cells Brightening Reduces melanin buildup Cleansing Clears sweat, oil, and pollution Skin renewal Promotes fresher, even-toned skin
Why Your Skin Needs Extra Care in Summer
Summer conditions in India mean heat, humidity, and UV exposure. They can directly affect your skin barrier.
Common summer skin issues
- UV rays lead to more melanin, which results in tanning and pigmentation
- Sweat and oil clog pores, leading to acne and blackheads
- Dust and pollution make your skin dull and uneven
What happens without proper cleansing?
- Tan layers build up
- Skin looks darker and patchier
- Breakouts become frequent
Using a face wash for summer that removes tan can prevent this cycle.
Top Detan Face Wash Benefits for Skin in Summers
- Removes Tan and Brightens Skin
Detan cleansers contain exfoliating ingredients that fade pigmentation caused by the sun.
Result
- More even skin tone
- Visible brightness over time
This is the right way if you are searching for how to remove sun tan from face at home.
- Deep Cleansing Action
Sweat and oil trap dirt inside pores. A de tan face wash benefits in clearing this buildup.
Benefits
- Reduces clogged pores
- Prevents acne and blackheads
- Keeps skin breathable
- Controls Excess Oil
A de tan face wash for oily skin controls sebum without stripping moisture.
Ideal for
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Humid conditions
- Refreshes and Revitalises Skin
The skin feels heated and fatigued after sun exposure. Detan cleansers include soothing ingredients.
Effects
- Cooling sensation
- Reduced irritation
- Instant freshness
- Cleanses Without Drying
A good formula balances cleansing with hydration.
For example, the Detan face wash by Foxtale uses:
- Papaya enzymes for gentle exfoliation
- Vitamin C for brightening and antioxidant protection
Its sulphate-free formula removes tan and buildup, but also hydrates the skin. It is suitable for daily use in dry heat.
Key Ingredients to Look For in Detan Face Wash for Summers
Choosing the right ingredients determines whether your cleanser will work or not.
Ingredient guide
Ingredient Function Vitamin C Brightens, reduces pigmentation Papaya Enzymes Enzymatic exfoliation removes tan Aloe Vera Soothes sun-exposed skin Lemon Extract Mild astringent, helps cleanse Activated Charcoal Detoxifies, controls oil
These ingredients make a formula work in de tan face wash for men and women with outdoor-heavy routines.
How to Use Detan Face Wash Effectively
Consistency and technique matter as much as the product.
- Splash your face with lukewarm water.
- Take a small amount of the cleanser.
- Massage gently for 30–40 seconds.
- Focus on tanned areas (forehead, nose, cheeks).
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- Follow with moisturiser and sunscreen.
Frequency
- Twice daily (morning and night).
Use the cleanser with a weekly Tan removal face mask to get faster detanning results.
Who Should Use a Detan Face Wash?
A detan face wash is suitable if you:
- Spend long hours outdoors
- Notice tanning or uneven skin tone
- Have oily or combination skin in summer
- Want a brighter, fresher look without harsh treatments
It works equally well as a de tan face wash for men dealing with sun exposure and oiliness.
Final Thoughts
A detan face wash is an upgrade to your summer routine with a specific purpose. It removes tan, controls oil, and maintains clarity in conditions that naturally damage your skin.
Tanning fades slowly with the right ingredients and regular use. Your skin will appear clearer and more even. Results take time, so let your skin recover from sun damage by being consistent with your routine.
