TV ratings to be reviewed

TV ratings in India are to be reviewed as the Ministry says the current system of measuring television programs popularity is not accurate

In a move that could impact the Rs 8,000 crore television advertising revenue and the process of measuring popularity of television programming, the information and broadcasting ministry plans to end the monopoly environment in measuring of television rating points (TRPs).

I&B minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said, "The current scenario of measuring TRPs does not reflect real growth of channels and is not a true representative of what audiences are watching. We want to end the monopoly of one company."

He said existing standards would have to be reviewed, including sample size and a more transparent system of functioning will be put in place. The matter is likely to be taken up in an inter-ministerial meeting next week.

Popularity of television programming is measured in TRPs that is collated through 'peoplemeters' set up in a sample number of television homes. At present, broadcasters, advertisers and media planners subscribe to TRPs generated on weekly basis by TAM Media Research. Another agency, aMap provides ratings on an overnight basis.