Government Unveils TV Rating Policy 2026 to Boost Transparency and Credibility in Audience Measurement
In a major reform aimed at strengthening the credibility and transparency of television audience measurement in India, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has notified the TV Rating Policy 2026, replacing the earlier 2014 guidelines. The new policy introduces comprehensive rules governing the registration, functioning, and oversight of television rating agencies, with a strong emphasis on accountability, data accuracy, and viewer privacy.
A key highlight of the policy is the exclusion of landing page viewership from official ratings. The government has clarified that while landing pages can be used as a marketing tool by broadcasters, any viewership generated through them will not be counted in ratings. Broadcasters will also be required to disclose such placements to rating agencies, ensuring greater transparency in measurement practices.
In a move to encourage more participation and competition in the sector, the government has significantly relaxed the net worth requirement for companies seeking registration as TV rating agencies. The eligibility threshold has been reduced from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore, making it easier for new players to enter the market.
To maintain neutrality and prevent conflicts of interest, the policy mandates strict governance norms. At least 50% of the Board of Directors of rating agencies must be independent, with no association with broadcasters, advertisers, or advertising agencies. Additionally, agencies are barred from offering consultancy services that could compromise their impartiality.
The policy also focuses heavily on improving data accuracy. Rating agencies will be required to expand their sample size to 80,000 metered homes within 18 months, while existing agencies must meet this target within six months. Eventually, the sample size will be scaled up to 1,20,000 homes. The measurement system must be technology-neutral, capturing viewership data across cable, DTH, OTT platforms, and connected TVs, and covering all TV screens within selected households.
Transparency and data protection form another cornerstone of the new guidelines. Agencies must publicly disclose their methodologies and anonymized data on their websites. Furthermore, all operations must comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, ensuring that viewer privacy is safeguarded at all times.
To enhance accountability, the government has introduced a dual-audit mechanism. Rating agencies will now be subject to quarterly internal audits as well as annual independent external audits. In addition, the Ministry will set up an Audit and Oversight Team to conduct periodic field inspections and ensure compliance.
The policy also strengthens grievance redressal mechanisms. Agencies must appoint a Nodal Officer to address complaints within 10 days and establish an appellate system for resolving escalated disputes, thereby improving trust among stakeholders.
In terms of compliance, the policy lays down strict penalties for violations. Non-compliance can lead to graded actions, ranging from temporary suspension of ratings to complete cancellation of registration in case of repeated breaches.
Interestingly, the policy allows TV distribution platforms and OTT services to publish viewership data of channels available on their platforms without requiring separate registration, provided the data is shared transparently on their websites.
With these sweeping changes, the government aims to create a fair, competitive, and well-regulated broadcasting ecosystem. The TV Rating Policy 2026 is expected to enhance the reliability of audience measurement, boost investor confidence, and ensure that the interests of viewers, broadcasters, and advertisers are adequately protected.
The full policy document has been made available on the official website of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
