TV Rating Policy 2026 slashes entry barriers and de-recognises landing page viewership.

Key facts

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) notified the TV Rating Policy 2026, replacing the 2014 guidelines.
• Landing page viewership is excluded from official measurement and relegated strictly to a marketing tool.
• The net worth requirement for new rating agencies is reduced from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore.
• At least 50 per cent of the rating agency board must consist of independent directors with no ties to broadcasters, advertisers or agencies.
• Existing agencies must expand their metered sample to 80,000 homes within six months, with an eventual target of 120,000 homes.
• New entrants have 18 months to reach 80,000 metered homes.
• Measurement must be technology-neutral across cable, DTH, OTT and connected TVs.
• A dual-audit system of quarterly internal reviews and annual independent external audits is mandated.
• Audience measurement must strictly align with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
• A graded penalty system ranges from temporary suspension of ratings to cancellation of registration for repeat offenders.