BARC orders forensic audit in Kerala TRP scam probe

KERALA: Barc India has rushed to limit the fallout from an alleged television ratings scam in Kerala, commissioning an independent forensic audit after reports surfaced of potential data manipulation involving one of its employees.

The move follows a sting by Malayalam channel Twenty-Four which claimed a Barc staffer was linked to suspicious spikes in viewership for a Kerala broadcaster. The exposé has triggered a police inquiry into whether ratings were artificially inflated using crypto payments, leaked data and targeted meter mapping. 

Seeking to project transparency and control, barc India said it has “immediately engaged a reputed independent agency to undertake a comprehensive forensic audit into the matter”. It stressed its commitment to integrity in audience measurement and urged the media and stakeholders to refrain from speculation as the investigation proceeds. 

According to preliminary findings cited by investigators, WhatsApp chats and call logs appear to show advance rating figures being shared before official release. Police are also examining claims that nearly Rs 100 crore was routed through crypto wallets to influence outcomes, along with potential misuse of PIN-coded meter locations. 

The case is still evolving, but the reputational risk is clear. India’s Rs 50,000 crore TV advertising market rests on trust in audience data. Barc’s rapid response signals the high stakes and its determination to shut down manipulation before the story gets bigger, darker and messier.