Govt extends freeze on TRP lanes amid Iran war

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has extended the directive to suspend Television Rating Points (TRPs) of news channels for another four weeks over concerns over the sensational conflict in West Asia.In an order issued on March 31, the ministry said the step was necessary in the public interest as conflicts “remain prevalent”. This direction continues the March 6 order, which first halted TRP coverage amid concerns that competitive pressure was driving “baseless sensational and speculative content” on part of the news media. The move comes amid intense scrutiny of television news content, with the government repeatedly emphasizing responsible reporting during related crises.Officials said such broadcasts could trigger panic among viewers, especially those who have family or friends in the affected areas.Industry executives say the lack of weekly ratings could ease competition for ratings but could also disrupt advertising negotiations tied to audience data.This is the second such intervention following the suspension of the TRP in 2020 over alleged manipulation, underscoring the regulator’s willingness to step in during periods of market distortion or public concern. Analysts said the extension signaled tighter regulation as geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines.