The government has notified the new Television Rating Policy (TRP) 2026, introducing sweeping changes to how TV viewership is measured across India. The updated framework replaces the 2014 guidelines and is designed to make ratings more reliable and transparent.
A major highlight of the policy is the expansion of the sample size used to track viewership. Rating agencies will be required to significantly increase the number of households where meters are installed, making the data more representative of India’s diverse audience base.
The policy also brings in stricter audit norms. Agencies must now undergo regular internal checks along with annual independent audits to ensure the accuracy of data. In addition, authorities will have the power to inspect operations and verify compliance with the rules.
To improve transparency, rating agencies will need to disclose their methodologies and share relevant data in a responsible manner. They must also follow data protection laws to safeguard viewer information.
Another key change is the removal of “landing page” views from ratings. This means channels will no longer benefit in ratings simply by being placed as default options on TV platforms, helping create a more level playing field.
The new rules also make it easier for more companies to enter the TV ratings sector by lowering the financial entry requirement. At the same time, safeguards have been introduced to prevent conflicts of interest, including rules on board independence.
Importantly, the policy reflects changing viewing habits by allowing measurement across multiple platforms such as cable, DTH and digital services.
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