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Barc allows broadcasters to suspend channel data in updated policy
Mumbai: The Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) has updated its policy for the release of a channel’s viewership data in March. As per the new policy, Barc can facilitate the suspension of individual channel data for a minimum period of six months on request from the broadcaster.
“The ratings for the suspended period will not be released publicly at any point in the future, even after the recommencement of the ratings,” as per the policy.
Barc will also exercise its right to suspend the ratings of a channel in case of payment issues, non-renewal of subscription, or any other breach by the subscriber. The ratings of the suspended channel will only be released six months after the resolution of the issues that resulted in the discontinuation of services. The ratings during the suspended period will not be released publicly after recommencement of the channel ratings.
However, Barc may continue to monitor and deliver playout monitoring of the channel to other YUMI subscribers without the viewership data.
Barc India has stated that it requires a minimum period of four to eight weeks to perform the required technical checks and data validation before releasing a channel’s data publicly. Barc has also requested broadcasters to keep a significant lead time for the watermarking process which may take between eight to 12 weeks time.
A channel can avail channel level viewership data provided by Barc but data that is provided prior to the public release of ratings of the channel is confidential and may be used for internal analysis only. Barc follows that Saturday to Friday week format and releases data publicly via the YUMI software every Thursday.
Barc will no longer release data starting from midweek and broadcasters must inform Barc about the date from which the data is required to be released ten working days prior to the week of release. If Barc does not receive a request to release channel data in YUMI within 12 weeks of being watermarked, Barc India may stop monitoring the channel and capturing the viewership of the channel.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
