Govt extends TRP suspension for news channels by four weeks amid concerns

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has extended the suspension of Television Rating Points for news channels by another four weeks, keeping the industry in a ratings blackout for a longer stretch.

In an order dated March 31, the ministry directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council to continue withholding TRP data “for a further period of four weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier.” This marks the second such directive after an initial four-week pause was imposed on March 6.

The government said the extension is aimed at curbing unwarranted sensationalism and speculative reporting, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions in West Asia. It noted that the conflict continues to evolve and could trigger anxiety among viewers, especially those with personal or economic ties to the region.

TRPs serve as the primary yardstick for measuring television viewership and play a crucial role in shaping advertising revenues and competitive positioning among news broadcasters. Their absence effectively removes a key performance benchmark, forcing channels to operate without publicly available ratings.

The directive applies specifically to news television channels and has been issued under the government’s regulatory powers in the interest of public order. While the move is framed as a temporary measure, its continuation suggests ongoing concerns about the tone and nature of coverage.

For broadcasters, the extended blackout means navigating a high-stakes news cycle without the usual scoreboard. Whether it tempers the noise or simply shifts the battle elsewhere remains to be seen, but for now, the ratings race is officially on pause.