Government forms a new panel to review TRP guidelines

The Centre constituted a
four member committee, chaired by Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi S Vempati on Wednesday

The panel members have
been authorized to make necessary recommendations for the formulation of “a
robust, transparent and accountable rating system” by making changes in
the existing pattern if the need be.

The move comes in the
heel of the alleged ‘TRP manipulation scam’ against three Mumbai based channels
reportedly involved in rigging of television ratings

The newly
formulated committee functions also include examining TRAI recommendations
notified from time to time, elevating the overall industry scenario by catering
to the needs of the stakeholders and make concerned recommendations in their
best interests to help government create a transparent and responsible sytem.

“Based on the
operation of the guidelines for a few years, there is a need to have a fresh
look on the guidelines particularly keeping in view the recent recommendations
of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), technological
advancements/inventions to address the system and further strengthening of the
procedures for a credible and transparent rating system, a committee is hereby
constituted to study the different aspects of television rating system in India
as they have evolved over a period of time,” the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting said in a notification, reported PTI.

Meanwhile, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), responsible for providing TRP data, announced a temporary
suspension of weekly ratings of news channels across languages as the controversy surrounding
the alleged scam continue to augment.