New TV Ratings Policy 2026 Aims for Transparency, Fairness and Wider Participation

• Lower entry barrier and more competition (net worth cut to ₹5 crore)
• Larger, tech-based audience measurement across TV and OTT platforms
• Greater transparency and accountability with audits and data protection rules

New Delhi, March 2026 : The government on Friday introduced the TV Ratings Policy 2026, a major reform aimed at making television audience measurement more transparent, independent and accountable, while also encouraging new players to enter the sector.

The new policy replaces the earlier 2014 guidelines and is designed to ensure fair practices, improve the accuracy of viewership data and strengthen oversight in the broadcasting ecosystem. Officials said the updated framework reflects the changing media landscape, where content is now consumed across multiple platforms.

One of the key highlights of the policy is the reduction in entry barriers for companies seeking to operate as TV rating agencies. The minimum net worth requirement has been lowered from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore, a move expected to promote competition and bring in more participants.

To ensure neutrality, the policy mandates that at least 50 percent of the Board of Directors of rating agencies must be independent. These members should have no association with broadcasters, advertisers or advertising agencies, thereby preventing any conflict of interest. Additionally, rating agencies are prohibited from taking up consultancy assignments that could compromise their impartiality.

The government has also focused on improving the reliability and representativeness of audience data. Under the new rules, agencies must expand their sample size to 80,000 metered homes within 18 months. Existing agencies have been given a shorter window of six months to meet this requirement. Over time, the sample size will be further increased to 1,20,000 homes, ensuring broader and more accurate data coverage.

Recognising the evolving nature of content consumption, the policy introduces a technology-neutral measurement system. It will capture viewership data across cable, direct-to-home services, over-the-top platforms and connected televisions, covering all screens within selected households.

Transparency and data protection are also central to the new framework. Rating agencies will be required to publicly disclose their methodologies and share anonymised data on their websites. At the same time, they must comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 to safeguard viewers’ personal information.

To strengthen accountability, the policy introduces a dual-audit mechanism. Agencies will undergo quarterly internal audits as well as annual external audits. In addition, the Ministry will establish a dedicated Audit and Oversight Team to conduct periodic inspections and ensure compliance.

Overall, the TV Ratings Policy 2026 seeks to create a more transparent, competitive and reliable system for measuring television audiences, aligning industry practices with modern viewing habits and technological advancements.