New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) - The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has announced an extension of the suspension on the release of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels, ordering the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to hold off for another four weeks or until further notification. This decision stems from rising worries about sensationalism and speculative reporting amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

"In accordance with the directive, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had previously issued a directive on 06.03.2026 to M/s BARC to immediately halt the reporting of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news television channels for four weeks or until further notice, whichever comes first," stated the I&B Ministry.

This action aims to mitigate the airing of exaggerated and unverified content by select news channels, which the government fears could incite panic among viewers.

"The directive seeks to address unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content from certain news channels during the West Asia conflict, which may alarm the general public, particularly those with loved ones in the affected regions," the I&B added.

This suspension is particularly relevant as the conflict remains ongoing.

"Given that the conflict situation largely persists; for the public's interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directs M/s BARC to continue withholding the publication of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news television channels for an additional four weeks or until further orders, whichever is earlier," the statement from the Ministry said.

The Ministry had previously mandated a similar suspension on March 6, aimed at protecting public welfare as the situation in West Asia continues to be unstable.

TRPs are a vital gauge for broadcasters and advertisers, helping them assess viewership and establish advertising rates. The suspension of TRP data is anticipated to have a significant impact on the commercial viability of news channels, as it removes a crucial standard used to draw advertisers and evaluate audience share against competitors.

This is not the first time such measures have been taken. In 2020, following allegations of data manipulation, the Ministry had ordered a temporary halt to TRP ratings for news channels, which were investigated by the Mumbai Police and involved multiple broadcasters.

Founded in 2010 under the broadcasting sector, BARC is the only body authorized to measure television audience data in India. Its ratings play a crucial role in multi-crore advertising contracts, making any suspension a decision with extensive repercussions for both editorial practices and the business landscape of the television news industry.