Lack of news ratings will have an impact: Shashi Sinha

Shashi Sinha, the chief executive of IPG Mediabrands, has opined that the lack of ratings for news genre will definitely have an impact. "Transparency in ratings will make it easier for all of us," he said. He was responding to rumours that BARC news ratings will once again stop.
The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has sounded the alarm bells against what they perceive as a looming blackout of news ratings by the BARC. This potential disruption has ignited concerns about the very foundation of fair competition within the news industry, a pillar of democratic society.

The NBF has already expressed deep concern over attempts by "certain broadcasters with monopolistic interests to disrupt the ongoing transparent process of publishing weekly ratings for the news genre." The Federation has already written to Minister for Information & Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, requesting his attention and intervention in this matter.As India approaches a crucial general election year, the implications are further magnified.

News organisations' ability to deliver accurate and comprehensive coverage during this period hinges on their financial stability, which, in turn, is influenced by ratings. News channels fear that any disruption in the news rating mechanism could ripple through the landscape, impacting their ability to attract advertisers.

In an era where news reporting has transcended its role as mere information dissemination to become a guardian of truth and accountability, the NBF raises the pertinent question of whether this potential blackout would skew the balance of power, handing control of the industry to a select few and marginalizing newcomers.