The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper (pdf) on the 'Review of Television Audience Measurement and Ratings in India' earlier this month. In its statement, the TRAI said that it has suo-motu floated this paper because - "several concerns relating to neutrality and reliability of the existing rating system have been raised by stakeholders, which necessitated a need to review of existing Television Audience Measurement and Ratings system in India." TRAI has also invited other comments on issues relevant to the consultation. Comments on the consultation paper can be sent by January 2, 2019, and counter comments may be sent by January 16, 2019 to Arvind Kumar, Advisor (B&CS), TRAI on his mail id: arvind@trai.gov.in. "Audience measurement implies measurement of what is being viewed. On the basis of audience measurement data, ratings are assigned to various programmes on television. Television ratings in turn influence programmes produced for the viewers," read the statement. Issues for Consultation In its 68-pages long consultation paper, the TRAI raised around 17 questions for consultation. Whether BARC has been able to accomplish the purpose with transparency and without any bias for which it has been established? Suggest measures to enhance the effectiveness if BARC to give TV ratings with transparency and without bias. If the stakeholders feel that present ownership pattern of BARC ensures adequate representation of all stakeholders to maintain its neutrality and transparent TV ratings? How its credibility and neutrality can be enhanced further? Is there a need to promote competition in…
