New Delhi, March 6: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately suspend the release of Television Rating Points (TRP) for news television channels for the next four weeks, raising concerns over sensational coverage related to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

In a communication issued in the “public interest”, the ministry said BARC should withhold publishing TRP data for news channels with immediate effect. Middle East Conflict: India Says Oil and Petroleum Reserves Sufficient Despite Iran War Tensions.

The ministry said it has observed that several news broadcasters are airing “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content” while reporting on the ongoing conflict in West Asia. According to the government, such coverage could trigger anxiety among viewers. Middle East Conflict: India Calls for Restraint, Expresses Deep Concern As Iran, Gulf War Escalates During Ramadan.

“MIB has observed that amidst the Israel–Iran conflict, certain news channels are displaying unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content,” the ministry said in its direction.

The ministry cautioned that such reporting “may potentially create panic among the general public, especially those having friends and family in affected areas”.

Officials indicated that the temporary suspension of ratings is intended to discourage competitive sensationalism driven by the pursuit of higher viewership metrics during sensitive geopolitical developments.

The move effectively pauses the weekly release of TRP data for news channels, which is widely used by broadcasters, advertisers and media planners to track audience share and advertising performance. The government said the step is temporary and aimed at encouraging responsible reporting during a period of heightened international tension.

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