The Ministry of Data and Broadcasting has notified the TV Score Coverage 2026, changing the 2014 tips governing tv viewers measurement in India.
The coverage introduces modifications to measurement requirements, governance, and market construction, with a give attention to transparency and broader illustration of viewership knowledge.
One of many key provisions excludes touchdown web page viewership from official rankings. Such viewership will now be handled as a advertising metric, with broadcasters required to reveal touchdown web page placements to score companies. The change addresses issues round inflated attain metrics and their influence on media planning.
The framework additionally lowers entry limitations for score companies. The minimal internet price requirement has been decreased from Rs 20 crore to Rs 5 crore, permitting new gamers to enter the viewers measurement area. To deal with battle of curiosity, not less than 50% of board members have to be impartial, with no hyperlinks to broadcasters, advertisers, or companies. Score companies are additionally restricted from providing consultancy providers.
The coverage mandates an growth in pattern measurement. Present companies are required to scale as much as 80,000 metered houses inside six months, whereas new entrants have 18 months to achieve this degree, with a longer-term goal of 120,000 houses.
Measurement is required to be technology-neutral, capturing viewership throughout cable, DTH, OTT, and related TV inside sampled households, reflecting shifts in consumption behaviour.
The coverage additionally introduces audit and compliance measures, together with quarterly inner audits and annual exterior audits. A separate oversight mechanism will conduct periodic checks to make sure knowledge accuracy.
In keeping with the Digital Private Knowledge Safety Act, 2023, viewers measurement practices should adjust to knowledge safety norms. A grievance redressal system has additionally been launched, with outlined timelines for decision.
Non-compliance might result in penalties, together with suspension of rankings or cancellation of registration. The coverage additionally permits TV distribution platforms and OTT providers to publish periodic viewership knowledge with out prior registration.
