Gov’t Suspends News TV TRP Ratings for 4 Weeks Over Sensationalist War Coverage.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately suspend the publication of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for a period of four weeks. The decision comes in response to what the ministry described as “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content” by several news broadcasters covering the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

In its official order issued Friday, the ministry noted that such dramatic and speculative reporting has the potential to create widespread panic, particularly among individuals who have friends or family residing in the conflict zones. By pausing the weekly ratings, the government aims to curb the competitive “race-to-the-bottom” reporting style often driven by the pursuit of higher viewership metrics. The suspension will remain in force for one month or until further directions are issued, emphasizing the need for responsible and grounded journalism during this sensitive geopolitical period. (TNIE & ThePrint)

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