3 prominent news channels including Republic TV reported to be a part of the ‘Fake TRP Racket’, as claimed by Mumbai Police, today.
Param Bir Singh, Commissioner, Mumbai Police, claims to have busted a ‘Fake TRP Racket’ at a press conference, today. As per reports, Singh suggests that the racket involves manipulating TRPs or Television Rating Points.
BIG BREAKING. @MumbaiPolice claims fake TRP racket busted! Names republic TV as one of the 3 channels under scanner. People paid off to manipulate viewership numbers. 2 Accused arrested. #TRP #FakeTRP
— Tanvi Shukla (@tanvishukla) October 8, 2020
Also read: Zee Zest launches India’s 50 Best Dishes with Chef Ajay Chopra
The officer also shared that ‘Republic TV’ along with 2 other local Mumbai news channels are under the scanner. Reportedly, certain sample households are paid to keep certain channels open for the entire day. Singh also pointed out that in some regional language dominant houses, English Channels remained switched on to tamper with the data & report on TRPs published by BARC. According to the commissioner, Television advertising costs in crores that is decided basis the TRP of the channel. Any distortion in the TRP data can have an impact on the ads, stated Singh.
Watch | "An organisation named 'Hansa' was compromising on some details. They were working with BARC. They were trying to manipulate TRPs…They would go to households and pay them to keep some channels on": Paramvir Singh, Mumbai Police Commissioner briefs media pic.twitter.com/V173SuJC3I
— NDTV (@ndtv) October 8, 2020
On this entire issue, BARC India Spokesperson said, “As in all our previous cases of suspected panel homes intrusions, BARC India continues to follow its established vigilance and disciplinary guidelines. BARC remains steadfastly true to its purpose to accurately and faithfully report ‘What India Watches’. BARC India appreciates the efforts of the Mumbai Police and will provide the support asked of it.”
“This is with reference to the media reports regarding TRP ratings being manipulated. Hansa Research and BARC conducted an investigation into the matter over the last few weeks, the conclusion of which resulted in Hansa Research filing an FIR against an ex-employee who was engaged in some wrongdoing. Hansa Research has always been vigilant about these issues and has been proactive in informing BARC and the law enforcement agencies as and when such cases have come to our notice. We would continue to cooperate with BARC and with the authorities as and when called upon to do so”, said, Praveen Nijhara, CEO, Hansa Research.
Arnab Goswami is claimed to file a defamation case refuting the news.
