BARC examining bids from firms for providing rating technology

The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) has begun the process of shortlisting firms which would be able to provide it with technology required to establish a new system of measuring TV ratings as an alternative to TAM.
BARC is aiming to establish a new system of measuring TV ratings by the middle of next year.
It had in June issued a global Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting international firms with expertise in measuring TV ratings to act as its technology partner.
BARC has reportedly shortlisted 5 bidders for providing TV ratings technology and a final call would be taken by TAM.

A final call on which of these firms would be selected would be taken by the Board of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), a source said.
He said while the firm shortlisted in the current process would provide technology and Set Top Boxes that will be used to gather information on viewership, a separate process was on to decide on the entity which would implement the ratings mechanism.