TRP Freeze for News Channels: Govt Pulls Plug for 4 Weeks Over Israel–Iran War Coverage

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has instructed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to halt the publication of Television Rating Points (TRP) for all news channels for the next four weeks. The decision comes amid concerns within the government over the tone of television coverage related to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

In a communication issued in what it described as the “public interest,” the ministry asked BARC to stop releasing weekly ratings for news broadcasters with immediate effect.
The directive follows the ministry’s observation that a section of television news channels has been airing highly dramatic and speculative content while reporting on developments in West Asia. The government fears that such coverage could lead to unnecessary alarm among viewers.

“MIB has observed that amidst the Israel–Iran conflict, certain news channels are displaying unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content,” the ministry said in its direction.

Officials said the government is particularly concerned that exaggerated reporting on the conflict may unsettle audiences in India, especially those with relatives or acquaintances in the affected regions.

The ministry also warned that such reporting “may potentially create panic among the general public, especially those having friends and family in affected areas.”

For the next month, the industry will operate without the ratings data that typically shape programming and advertising strategies.

The decision effectively pauses the weekly TRP rankings for news channels, a key metric relied upon by broadcasters, advertisers and media planners to gauge audience share and advertising performance. ​