Govt forms panel to review TRP system

The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry today constituted a seven-member committee, headed by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) General Secretary Amit Mitra, to suggest measures for an effective Television Rating Point (TRP) system.

The committee would review the existing system and make recommendations to bring in an effective mechanism for a transparent one. It would submit its report within three months from the date of its first meeting, a statement from the ministry said.

The mandate of the committee is to address issues related to accuracy, accountability, transparency and objectivity in the generation of TRPs. It would also examine as to how misleading TRPs can not only impact broadcasters and advertisers but more importantly the viewing public, the statement added.

An official from the ministry said, “The committee would evolve its own methodology to ensure widest possible consultation on the issue. It will also take into account the recommendations of Trai, the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, other judicial pronouncements and international best practices to arrive at its recommendations.”

The committee would examine whether an industry-led body like Broadcasting Audience Research Council (BARC), as recommended by Trai, can be the most appropriate mechanism to create TRPs without the existing deficiencies.

The terms of reference of the committee include looking into key issues like the viability of the TRP system in portraying the demographic profile of the viewership in the context of viewing habits and sample size and coverage area, including the rural segments and regions such as Jammu and Kashmir and the north-east.