TV Industry Urges Govt to Restore BARC Ratings

The Indian TV industry is urging the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to restore BARC ratings immediately. The lack of audience measurement is particularly problematic during the crucial festive season, when advertisers and agencies plan campaigns and allocate spending.

Reliable measurement is essential for brands to plan campaigns and reach audiences efficiently. The industry's growth is evident, with India's media and entertainment industry growing 9% in 2025 to Rs 2.78 lakh crore. Digital media also showed significant growth, crossing Rs 1.1 lakh crore in 2025, while live events grew 47% in the same year.

The TV industry is evolving, with new formats and revenue opportunities emerging. India's CTV universe is estimated at more than 200 million viewers, with more than 80% of CTV viewing shared with family or friends. The micro-dramas segment, valued at Rs 650 crore in 2025, is expected to grow at more than 50% annually by 2028.

## Why it Matters The restoration of BARC ratings is crucial for the TV industry, as it provides a reliable measurement of audience engagement. This is particularly important during the festive season, when advertisers and agencies plan and allocate their spending. The lack of audience measurement can lead to inefficient campaign planning and allocation of resources.

The TV industry's growth and evolution are closely tied to the availability of reliable audience measurement data. With the rise of digital media and new formats such as micro-dramas, the industry needs accurate data to navigate the changing landscape and make informed decisions.

## What Happens Next The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will need to consider the industry's request to restore BARC ratings. The industry will continue to evolve, with new formats and revenue opportunities emerging. The availability of reliable audience measurement data will be crucial in shaping the industry's future and ensuring its continued growth.