Broadcast industry split — Final stance on MIB's ratings unclear

The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) are still deliberating their final stance on the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting's (MIB) proposed TV ratings reforms, with industry consensus proving difficult to reach.

Industry positions and key issues

• Both associations broadly welcome reform to audience measurement but caution that liberalizing entry for rating agencies could spur conflicts of interest and risk the credibility of television as India's biggest reach platform.
• Divisions remain: Some broadcasters back scrapping crossholding restrictions, while others want to retain them for market integrity. IBDF's board and legal committee even considered a formal protest against removing these protections.
• News broadcasters and major cable operators firmly oppose lifting crossholding caps, fearing influential players may skew ratings, and demand additional checks and balances to protect the system's integrity.

IAMAI and IBDF status

• IBDF is struggling to present a unified front and may not submit a joint response, which is highly unusual for a key regulatory discussion.
• IAMAl is circulating a draft among members to build consensus, possibly supporting a transparent framework that treats digital measurement with parity to TV.

Next steps and regulatory timeline

• The deadline for comments on the draft amendments closed September 1, 2025, but association boards remain in discussion and individual broadcaster submissions may occur if consensus fails.
• The MIB's reform draft would delete clauses restricting broadcaster ownership in agencies, aiming to open competition, embrace new technologies, and provide more representative data-including for rapidly growing connected TV platforms.
• The next few weeks are likely to see more developments as stakeholders push for robust safeguards and credible reforms while weighing the potential risks of an open ratings market.

Sources: www.communicationstoday.com