Television Rating Policy 2026: Transparency, Independence, Accountability
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Governance
Why in news
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released the Television Rating Policy 2026 to replace the 2014 guidelines. It aims to strengthen transparency, independence, and accountability in India's TV audience measurement system. The policy was announced in a Rajya Sabha reply by Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan.
Background
The previous guidelines for TV rating agencies were issued on January 16, 2014. The new policy overhauls the regulatory framework to address concerns about credibility and manipulation in audience measurement.
Key facts
Net worth requirement for rating agencies reduced from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore.
Sample size increased from 50,000 to 80,000 metered households.
Establishment survey to be conducted every three years.
Landing pages excluded from viewership data calculation.
Annual independent audit mandated.
Cross-holding restrictions and at least 33% independent directors on board required.
Technology-neutral measurement across platforms including connected TV and OTT.
Graded penalty framework for non-compliance.
No cap on number of registered agencies.
No agency has yet registered under the new policy.
Prelims pointers
- Television Rating Policy 2026
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Replaces 2014 guidelines
- Net worth: ₹5 crore (down from ₹20 crore)
- Sample size: 80,000 metered households
- Establishment survey: every 3 years
- Independent directors: at least 33%
- Cross-holding prohibited
- Annual independent audit
- Graded penalty framework
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in media sector
- GS2: Role of media in democracy and issues of transparency and accountability
- GS3: Regulatory frameworks for media and communication
- GS4: Ethics in media and business – conflict of interest, independence