New TV Ratings Policy 2026: Government Overhauls Audience Measurement System

• More fair and open system: New companies can now enter the TV ratings business more easily, which means less monopoly and more fair competition.
• Better and more accurate data: Ratings will now track what people watch not just on TV, but also on apps, OTT platforms, and smart TVs, giving a clearer picture of real viewing habits.
• Stronger rules and transparency: Agencies must follow strict rules, share how they calculate ratings, protect user data, and fix complaints quickly, making the system more trustworthy.

New Delhi, March 2026 : The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has unveiled the new TV Ratings Policy 2026, introducing sweeping changes to how television viewership is measured in India. The revised framework aims to make the system more transparent, accurate, and accountable, while also encouraging greater participation from new players in the ratings ecosystem.

One of the most significant changes under the new 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 Rs 20 crore to Rs 5 crore, making it easier for new firms to enter the market. This move is expected to boost competition and innovation in the sector.

At the same time, the government has introduced stricter norms to ensure independence and prevent conflicts of interest. At least 50 percent of the board members in rating agencies must now be independent directors, with no ties to broadcasters, advertisers, or advertising agencies. This is aimed at maintaining neutrality and ensuring credibility in the ratings process.

Improving the accuracy of viewership data is another key focus of the policy. Rating agencies will be required to significantly expand their measurement systems, covering at least 80,000 households within 18 months. Over time, this number will be increased to 1.2 lakh homes, ensuring a more representative sample of viewers across the country.

The policy also adopts a technology-neutral approach, marking a shift from traditional TV-only measurement. Viewership data will now be collected across multiple platforms, including cable, DTH, OTT services, and connected TVs. This will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of audience behaviour across different screens within a household.

Transparency and data privacy have been given special emphasis. Rating agencies must disclose their methodologies and publish anonymised data regularly. Additionally, they are required to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, ensuring that viewers’ personal information is safeguarded.

To enhance accountability, a dual-audit system has been introduced. Agencies will need to conduct internal audits every quarter and undergo an external audit annually. The government will also carry out periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the new rules.

The policy establishes a clear mechanism for handling complaints, mandating that grievances related to ratings be resolved within 10 days. An appellate authority will also be set up to address unresolved issues.

In a notable change, viewership generated through landing pages will no longer be counted in ratings and will instead be treated as marketing activity. Strict penalties, including suspension or cancellation of registration, have been предусмотрed for violations.

Overall, the new policy marks a major step towards creating a more reliable and future-ready television audience measurement system in India.