Malayalam television channel manipulated ratings through bribery; Union Min seeks report

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting sought a report on allegations of manipulation of television channel ratings. Union Minister Dr L. Murugan said that it has come to the notice that a Malayalam television channel had manipulated the ratings by paying a bribe to an official of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).

The minister said in the Lok Sabha that a preliminary report, including details of the action taken in the FIR, was sought from the DGP. This was in response to questions from K. Sudhakaran and Dean Kuriakose.

Television rating agencies in India are required to keep household data confidential and ensure a transparent and accountable system. The minister said that the central government is closely monitoring the issues to ensure the credibility of the TV rating system.