Television
Indian broadcasters seek immediate restoration of BARC TV ratings ahead of festive season
Industry flags advertiser confidence and festive-season planning as ratings remain suspended
MUMBAI: Indian broadcasters have called for the immediate restoration of television ratings by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), saying the prolonged suspension is affecting revenue visibility, advertiser confidence and media planning, particularly ahead of the festive season.
The demand was raised at the 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) on Monday, where members discussed the impact of the ratings disruption on commercial planning and advertising decisions.
Broadcasters also welcomed recent changes to television advertising regulations. IBDF members appreciated the government’s decision to omit Rule 7(11) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, which prescribed the 10+2 advertisement-duration cap.
They also welcomed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) subsequent repeal of the Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) Regulations, 2012. The changes address a longstanding industry demand to ease restrictions on advertising duration.
Addressing the AGM, IBDF president and JioStar CEO-Entertainment Kevin Vaz underlined television’s continued relevance and called for greater unity across the industry as broadcasters deal with economic, commercial and regulatory challenges.
“Television remains deeply embedded in India’s social, cultural and economic fabric. While the sector has faced economic, commercial and regulatory headwinds, its ability to connect with audiences across languages, regions and socio-economic groups remains unparalleled. We may compete vigorously in the marketplace, but on issues affecting the long-term sustainability of broadcasting, members have consistently demonstrated the ability to come together, find common ground and speak with a collective voice,” JioStar CEO-Entertainment Kevin Vaz said.
“If we continue to collaborate with the same sense of purpose, we can build a stronger, more competitive and sustainable future for Indian broadcasting,” he added.
The AGM also reviewed IBDF’s engagement with stakeholders on a range of issues, including the roadmap for forbearance, telecom regulation, artificial intelligence, copyright, taxation and piracy.
IBDF secretary general and CEO Avinash Pandey stressed the need for constructive dialogue and a collective approach while addressing challenges facing the broadcasting sector.
“The year gone by has reaffirmed the importance of unity and shared purpose. In a rapidly evolving business and regulatory environment, meaningful progress depends on how effectively we bring together our experience, our perspectives and our collective wisdom,” IBDF secretary general and CEO Avinash Pandey said.
“There may be differences of opinion, but there should be no differences amongst us when it comes to the greater good of the broadcasting ecosystem. Our responsibility is to look beyond individual interests and stay focused on the long-term growth and sustainability of the industry,” he added.
According to IBDF, television generated approximately Rs 617 billion in revenue in 2025, accounting for around 22 per cent of India’s media and entertainment sector. The medium reaches approximately 831 million viewers every month and 745 million viewers every week.
The AGM was attended by senior representatives of IBDF member organisations and industry leaders, with television ratings, advertising regulations and the broader business and regulatory environment emerging as key areas of industry focus.
