New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at curbing sensational reporting, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Govt. of India has directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately suspend the publication of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for the next four weeks.
The ministry said the decision was taken after observing that several television news channels were airing excessively sensational and speculative content while covering the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.
The government directs the Broadcast Audience Research Council (#BARC) to immediately suspend the reporting of television rating points for news TV channels for four weeks.
According to the directive, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) says that some TV… pic.twitter.com/Zm9ClXrjqG
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 6, 2026
Concern Over Panic Among Public
According to the government, such dramatic and unverified reporting could potentially trigger fear and anxiety among viewers, particularly those who have relatives or friends in the conflict-affected regions or Indians currently residing there.
Officials said that responsible and factual reporting is crucial during sensitive international crises, warning that exaggerated narratives or speculation may mislead viewers and amplify public panic.
TRP Reporting Halted Temporarily
Under the directive, BARC will halt the weekly release of TRP ratings for all news television channels for a period of four weeks. The suspension will remain in effect until the completion of the four-week period or until further orders are issued by the ministry, whichever comes earlier.
The government believes the temporary pause on ratings will discourage competitive sensationalism among news channels, allowing them to focus on accurate and responsible coverage of the evolving situation in West Asia.
Media observers say the move signals the Centre’s growing concern over hyper-competitive TV news coverage during global conflicts, where ratings-driven programming often pushes channels toward dramatic and speculative reporting.
