TV Rating Policy 2026: Cleaning Up the TRP Game

New Delhi, March 28, 2026: In a significant overhaul of India’s media landscape, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has officially notified the TV Rating Policy 2026. Replacing the decade-old guidelines from 2014, this new framework aims to modernize audience measurement, curb data manipulation, and introduce a level playing field for broadcasters and advertisers alike.

The policy comes at a time when the “currency” of the television industry—TRPs (Television Rating Points)—has faced intense scrutiny over transparency and the exclusion of digital viewing habits.

Key Pillars of the TV Rating Policy 2026

1. Curbing “Landing Page” Manipulation

One of the most decisive moves in the new policy is the exclusion of landing page viewership from official ratings. Historically, broadcasters used “landing pages” (the channel that appears automatically when a Set-Top Box is switched on) to artificially inflate reach.

• The Change: While landing pages can still be used as a marketing tool, the views generated from them will no longer be counted in viewership measurement.
• Transparency: Broadcasters must now disclose to rating agencies if their channel is placed on a landing page.

2. Expanded Sample Size and Tech-Neutrality

To ensure that ratings truly reflect the diversity of the Indian population, the government has mandated a massive expansion of the “metered home” network.

• Increased Reach: Rating agencies are required to scale up to 80,000 metered homes within 18 months (6 months for existing agencies), with a long-term target of 120,000 homes.
• Holistic Measurement: The policy is technology-neutral, meaning it will capture data across Cable, DTH, OTT platforms, and Connected TVs, ensuring that “cord-cutters” and digital viewers are finally part of the national metric.

3. Democratizing the Market (Ease of Entry)

In a bid to break the current monopoly in the rating sector, the government has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for new players.

• Net Worth Requirement: The minimum net worth for a company to register as a TV rating agency has been slashed from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore.
• Independence: To prevent conflicts of interest, at least 50% of the Board of Directors must be independent directors with no ties to broadcasters, advertisers, or ad agencies.

4. Stringent Audits and Data Privacy

The policy introduces a “Dual-Audit System” to maintain the sanctity of data.

• Accountability: Agencies must conduct quarterly internal audits and annual independent external audits. Additionally, the Ministry will form an Audit and Oversight Team for surprise field inspections.
• Privacy First: All data collection must strictly comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, ensuring the anonymity and safety of participating households.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The 2026 policy moves away from simple fines toward a graded penalty framework that can impact an agency’s business continuity:

1. First Violation: Temporary suspension of ratings for one month.
2. Second/Third Violation: Longer suspensions and forfeiture of bank guarantees (up to ₹75 lakh).
3. Repeat Offenders: Cancellation of registration and a potential five-year ban on re-application.

Why This Matters

For advertisers, this policy ensures that the billions of rupees spent on TV spots are based on organic viewer choice rather than technical loopholes. For viewers, it encourages broadcasters to focus on quality content rather than “forced reach.”

By integrating OTT and digital screens into the fold, the TV Rating Policy 2026 acknowledges that the way India watches content has changed forever