TRP ratings are a big deal in the media world, and they often cause controversies. Arnab Goswami, from Republic TV, got into trouble because he was accused of messing with TRP ratings.
The Mumbai police said he gave lakhs of money to the head of BARC to make the ratings look better for his channel.
Now the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has suggested introducing more rating agencies to reduce reliance on BARC for ratings. TRAI believes this could lead to better competition, improved service quality, and potentially lower prices.
The idea of additional rating agencies has sparked debate in the industry. Some argue it could enhance competition, innovation, more transparency, and data quality. Others are skeptical, expressing concerns that simply adding another agency might not solve underlying issues.
TRAI is worried about BARC’s monopoly, citing concerns about market behavior and service quality. They believe competition encourages innovation and accuracy in ratings, reducing manipulation risks.
An industry insider raises concerns about objectivity and transparency in current measurement surveys, particularly regarding smaller demographic segments. Obtaining accurate insights from such segments is challenging.
Last year, the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) opposed the formation of another rating agency, arguing that BARC, representing all stakeholders, is best equipped for audience research. IBDF highlights potential conflicts and increased costs with multiple agencies.
