I&B Ministry
MIB mulls sharp cut in Rs 20 crore net-worth rule for TV rating agencies
Ministry reviews norm to widen competition in ratings
NEW DELHI: The ministry of information and broadcasting is reconsidering a key eligibility norm for television rating agencies, with officials weighing a sharp cut in the minimum net-worth requirement to broaden participation in the audience-measurement market, Storyboard18 reports.
Under the draft policy guidelines issued by the ministry, companies seeking registration as television rating agencies must have a minimum net worth of Rs 20 crore, certified by a statutory auditor. The draft also sets out rules on corporate structure, board composition and cross-holding restrictions.
Officials are now examining whether the threshold should be lowered to around Rs 5–10 crore, following representations from multiple stakeholders who argue that the current bar stifles competition and innovation.
The Rs 20-crore requirement was designed to ensure financial resilience in a sector that directly influences advertising revenues, said a senior industry executive. But advances in data analytics and measurement technologies have significantly reduced the capital intensity of audience tracking, the executive added.
Supporters of the proposed recalibration say the existing benchmark has effectively shut out credible start-ups and research-driven firms. A lower threshold, they argue, would allow technology-led players to challenge legacy models and diversify the ratings ecosystem.
Executives at digital measurement firms also say the move would better reflect the convergence of television and digital viewing. Audience measurement today is increasingly software-driven rather than infrastructure-heavy, one executive said, making high capital thresholds less relevant.
Others, however, warn against weakening financial safeguards in a market that shapes advertising spends running into tens of thousands of crores. Sustaining nationwide panels, audit systems and compliance mechanisms over a ten-year registration cycle requires deep pockets, said a senior broadcaster executive.
Another industry veteran noted that net-worth norms operate alongside bank guarantees and stringent compliance obligations. Any reduction, they said, must be carefully calibrated to avoid undermining the credibility of ratings.
The review comes amid a broader overhaul of the ratings framework. Draft amendments released by the ministry have removed several long-standing restrictions, opening the door for new entrants, including OTT platforms, distribution platform operators and big technology firms, to set up ratings agencies.
The changes are expected to intensify competition and challenge the dominance of the Broadcast Audience Research Council, while placing greater emphasis on digital and cross-platform measurement as viewing habits shift.
Minister of state for information and broadcasting L Murugan has said the ministry issued a revised draft in November 2025 after receiving feedback on the first version released in July. The amendments, he said, aim to modernise India’s TRP system, improve accuracy and representation, and reflect consumption across linear television, digital platforms and connected devices.
Media planners and broadcasters have broadly welcomed the intent of the reforms, though many caution that translating the policy into a credible, multi-platform measurement system will require substantial operational investment.
I&B Ministry
Devinder Kumar appointed Prasar Bharati chief vigilance officer
Senior IOFS officer to serve three-year term with Level-13 pay scale
MUMBAI: The Centre has appointed Devinder Kumar as the chief vigilance officer of Prasar Bharati, formalising a key oversight role within India’s public broadcasting network.
The appointment was cleared through an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Kumar, a senior Indian Ordnance Factory Service officer, will initially serve a tenure of three years or until further government orders, whichever comes earlier.
As chief vigilance officer, Kumar will be responsible for overseeing vigilance and compliance functions within Prasar Bharati, ensuring transparency and accountability across the organisation’s operations.
The role carries a Level-13 pay scale under the central government structure, translating to a salary range between Rs 1,23,100 and Rs 2,15,900. The compensation aligns the position with other senior administrative roles across government departments.
Kumar’s appointment follows due process, including a recommendation from the Central Vigilance Commission, which vets candidates for such critical oversight positions.
Currently serving under the Department of Defence Production, Kumar has been directed to be relieved of his existing duties with immediate effect to assume his new role.
The move comes as Prasar Bharati continues to strengthen its governance framework, with the CVO position playing a central role in maintaining institutional integrity. Kumar’s appointment is expected to bolster internal oversight at a time when accountability remains firmly in focus across public sector organisations.
