Government orders four weeks suspension of TRP releases for News Channels

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
NEW DELHI, MARCH 08 (STC):
In a significant regulatory intervention to curb “irresponsible reporting” during times of international crisis, publication of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for all news channels has been temporarily halted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
According to the reports, the directions in this regard were issued by the Ministry to the
Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) on Saturday. The suspension will remain in force for a period of four weeks, or until further orders are issued, whichever is earlier.
The direction has been issued under the ‘Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India’ dated January 16, 2014. Invoking Clause 24.2 of the guidelines, the Ministry mandated BARC’s compliance, stating that the order was being passed in the interest of the larger public good.
Reports quoting officials said that the Ministry observed certain television news channels had been airing content deemed as “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative reporting” related to the escalating situation between Israel and Iran. Such coverage could “potentially create panic” among the general public, particularly affecting Indian citizens with family and friends residing in or near the conflict zones.

(Straight Talk Communications)