From The Economic Times · Javed Farooqui · · 1m 10s
BARC Registration Delay Deepens TV Ratings Rift in India
India's TV ratings market faces deeper divisions as BARC registration delay sparks broadcaster disputes over audience measurement.
In brief
India's TV ratings market faces deeper divisions as BARC registration delay sparks broadcaster disputes over audience measurement. India's TV ratings market fractures over BARC registration delay, threatening broadcaster finances and cross-media measurement progress. Originally reported by The Economic Times.
BARC Registration Delay
The delay in renewing Broadcast Audience Research Council India's registration has exposed divisions over broadcaster influence and audience measurement.
“The delay in renewing the registration of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has exposed divisions over broadcaster influence, audience measurement and competition in India’s television ratings market”
BARC Ownership Structure
The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation holds a 60% stake, while the Advertising Agencies Association of India and the Indian Society of Advertisers each own 20%.
“The indian broadcasting and digital foundation (ibdf) holds a 60% stake, while the advertising agencies association of india (aaa) and the indian society of advertisers (isa) own 20% each.”
Ratings Blackout Impact
The ministry stopped BARC from publishing audience data in June, while news viewership data has been withheld since March.
“The mib stopped barc from publishing audience measurement data in june, while news viewership data has been withheld since march.”
Market Financial Pressure
India’s television advertising market is estimated at rs 30,000 crore to rs 40,000 crore, with broadcasters facing revenue cuts.
“India’s television advertising market is estimated at rs 30,000 crore to rs 40,000 crore”
BARC Financial Crisis
Most broadcasters have stopped paying BARC, putting it on the brink of collapse.
“Barring two broadcasters, other broadcasters are not paying barc, which means that barc is on the brink of a collapse”
Cross-Media Measurement Hurdle
BARC has tested cross-screen measurement for years but lacks public results, while the market needs updated viewing habits data.
“Barc’s previous registration expired in 2025. It has since appointed new independent directors and expanded its measurement panel to nearly 80,000 meters”
TAM India Application
TAM India’s application could introduce competition but requires broadcaster and advertiser support to succeed.
“Tam india’s application could introduce competition into a ratings market dominated by barc, but establishing a viable alternative would require the support of broadcasters, advertisers and other stakeholders.”
What to remember
India's TV ratings market fractures over BARC registration delay, threatening broadcaster finances and cross-media measurement progress.
