"Sensational coverage": MIB directs BARC to withhold TRP ratings for news channels for four weeks
New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to withhold reporting of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for four weeks or until further notice, news agency ANI reported.
Citing the official order of the Ministry, ANI reported that the decision was taken due to concerns over “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content” during coverage of the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.
The Ministry stated that such content could create panic among the public, especially among people who have friends and family in the affected regions.
The order referred to Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, which requires companies to follow directions issued by the Ministry. Based on this provision, BARC has been instructed to immediately stop reporting TRPs for news television channels.
“In the public interest, the Ministry directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPs) for News TV Channels for a period of four weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier,” the order read.
TRP are measured every week by the agency BARC and news channels use it to to secure advertisement revenue
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting suspends TV ratings for 4 weeks or until further notice.
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2026
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has observed that amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, certain News TV Channels are displaying unwarranted sensationalism and…
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US Embassy advises Americans to reconsider Hajj travel
Riyadh: The United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advised American citizens to reconsider travel to the country, including participation in the annual Hajj pilgrimage, amid the ongoing regional conflict.
In a travel advisory, the embassy urged US nationals to exercise caution and review their plans in light of the current security situation.
It specifically advised Americans to reconsider “participation in Hajj this year” to the holy city of Mecca.
