TRAI issues final recommendations on TRPs

By Ramya Ramamurthy , CNBC-TV18

The TRAI has released its final recommendations for policy guidelines and operational issues for television audience measurement and TV rating points. This is after the consulation paper was first released in March this year. It believes that self-regulation of content via industry led initiative is the best option. TRAI has recommended to recognise BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) as institutional framework. TRAI said that the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) should spearhead the monitoring of TRPs, and BARC is to start its work by January 2009.

BARC will invite bids from rating agencies; moreover, it will sign an MoU with the I&B Ministry for its organisational structure. BARC-I&B MoU will guide & define the role of BARC & government. Two nominees of I&B on BARC and this will be reviewed only after five years. BARC has recommended that the self regulation for broadcasters may lay down a framework.