BARC may extend news ratings blackout by three months as TRP probe deepens

Suspension likely for another three months, say industry sources

The Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC), which measures television viewership, has extended the blackout of ratings to news channels that first began in mid-October. Friday was the last day of the twelve-week suspension that was initiated by BARC in the wake of the manipulation of television rating points (TRPs) that came to light in October. Republic TV and a few other channels were named in the probe carried out by the Mumbai Police.

Business Standard has reliably learnt that the suspension of ratings for news channels is likely for another three months as the probe into the TRP