TV Ratings Policy (TRP) 2026
The Information & Broadcasting Ministry released the new TV Ratings Policy on March 27, 2026, which replaces the guidelines effective since January 16, 2014. The updated policy introduces stringent measures aimed at improving the quality, transparency, and accountability of TV audience measurement.
Key Features of the New Policy
- Audit Norms: Tightened to ensure transparency and independence in audience measurement.
- Enhanced Sample Size: Agencies must expand to 80,000 metered homes within 18 months, further increasing to 1,20,000 homes.
- Lower Entry Barriers: The net-worth requirement for TV rating agencies reduced from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore.
- Independent Directors: At least 50% of the board of directors must be independent with no conflicts of interest related to broadcasters, advertisers, or advertising agencies.
- Technology-Neutral Measurement: Data must be captured across Cable, DTH, OTT, and Connected TVs, covering all screens in metered homes.
- Publication of Methodology: Agencies are required to publish their detailed methodologies and anonymized data online.
- Compliance with Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Ensures viewer privacy is safeguarded.
Audit and Oversight
- Dual-Audit System: Mandatory quarterly internal audits and annual independent external audits.
- Audit & Oversight Team: To conduct periodic field inspections.
- Nodal Officer and Appellate Authority: Required for resolving complaints and handling escalated disputes within 10 days.
Additional Guidelines
- Landing Page Exclusion: Viewership from "landing pages" will not be counted, and their use is limited to marketing purposes.
- Disclosure Requirement: Broadcasters must disclose channel availability on landing pages to rating agencies.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Range from temporary suspensions of ratings to cancellation of registration for repeat violations.
- Publication of Viewership Data: TV distribution or OTT platforms can publish viewership data without registration or permission.
