ITV

Tag: Arnab Goswami

  • Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    NEW DELHI: Hersh Bhandari, chief operating officer of Republic Media Network, has called time on his eight-year tenure at the news broadcaster, announcing his departure in a LinkedIn post that urged colleagues to “ignore all rumours” about his next move.

    The media veteran, who has spent three decades climbing the ranks of India’s television industry, said he was taking a “small break to reinvent myself and gear up for the next adventure.”

    His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Republic TV, where Bhandari served as both chief operating officer for the broader network and chief executive officer of Republic World since December 2018.
    In his farewell message, Bhandari thanked Arnab Goswami and the editorial team for their “intensity and support”, while crediting his time at Republic with teaching him strategic thinking and leadership skills. He described the experience as helping him learn “great entrepreneur lessons” and draw “inspiration from colleagues every single day.”

    Bhandari’s career spans some of India’s most prominent media houses, including a six-year stint at Times Network, where he served as vice-president of sales and national revenue head for Times Now. Before joining Republic, he spent nearly two years as national revenue head at TV Today Network.

    His media journey began in the 1990s with a marketing role at Star TV Network, after cutting his teeth in the clothing industry with a seven-year tenure at Pepe Jeans London. At Times Network, he also held senior positions at Zoom, serving as vice-president and national head for four years.

    The executive, who describes himself as an “avid enthusiast of sports and music,” has built a reputation for driving growth across people and media operations. His LinkedIn profile carries the motto: “No matter how far down we may be, we are never too far down to come back.”

    Republic Media Network has not yet announced a replacement for Bhandari’s role. The news comes as India’s television news sector continues to face intense competition and evolving viewer preferences in the digital age.

  • PM Modi to meet NBF delegation to put focus on future of news industry

    PM Modi to meet NBF delegation to put focus on future of news industry

    Mumbai: The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF), a news broadcaster, will be meeting prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in New Delhi to discuss the future of the new broadcast industry. The delegation of the NBF will be led by Republic Media Network chairman and NBF founding president Arnab Goswami.

    As the largest news industry body with more than 50 news broadcaster members, NBF sees the meeting as an opportunity to apprise the prime minister of the seminal role it plays as an institution of democracy. It would also be an occasion to get an insight into the prime minister’s vision in shaping of the future of broadcast news television in India. The NBF will also seek the prime minister’s support in crafting structural policies that will shape the news industry’s future.

    Arnab Goswami, who has been at the helm of raising news industry concerns via the NBF is slated to lead the briefing at the meeting and apprise the prime minister on the present situation within the news industry. The NBF is set to raise issues such as the challenges faced by national and regional channels and concerns regarding the lack of transparency and data sharing within the present systems.

    The meeting is happening in the backdrop of the prime minister’s recent call for Indian media to get a global voice. The NBF firmly shares the prime minister’s vision and it is expected that the meeting would have some exchange of thoughts on the same.

    Arnab Goswami and the NBF delegates are also likely to discuss the need for the evolution of the rating measurement system in synchronization with the Government of India’s policy and emphasis on transparency of data and digitization.

    The NBF differentiates itself as an industry grouping that is mostly comprised of non-corporate media owners, who have successfully built their respective organizations without big corporate support so as to keep news independent and democratic. NBF member organizations have created thousands of jobs for the youth of the country without big corporate funding that comes with strings attached.

    Under the leadership of Goswami, the NBF has been a vocal body, standing for the independent and democratic ethos of the news industry. The NBF has batted for an absolute level playing field within the Indian news industry- for broadcasters large and small- by raising concerns at various levels and forums against restrictive trade practices.

    The meeting with prime minister Narendra Modi comes at a time when the wave of broadcast news television is on the uptake and the viewership through Connected Televisions (CTVs) is seeing phenomenal growth for broadcast news consumption, thereby laying the ground for the possibility of critical transformative frameworks that can take the voice of the Indian media to the global scale.

    Founding president of the NBF and Republic Media Network chairman Arnab Goswami will lead the delegation which includes News Industry Stalwarts, Media Owners and Top Editorial Minds from across national and regional Media in India. The Delegation will include Industry Stalwarts such as Barun Das, the MD & CEO at TV9 Group,  Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the Chairperson and Managing Director of Pride East Entertainments,  Kartikeya Sharma, Founder of ITV Network, Jagi Mangat Panda, Co-Founder & MD Odisha Television Network Ltd (OTV), Shankar Bala, Chief Executive Officer of Fourth Dimension Media Solutions Pvt Ltd which represents Puthiyathalaimurai and leading Telugu News Channel V6 News, Angad Deep Singh of Living India News which has a deep presence across the North Indian states and Sanjive Narain, Founder of Prag News. The Delegation will also include industry conglomerates in the news media represented by Sreekandan Nair, Managing Director of Insight Media City, Manoj Gairola, Editor-in-Chief of News Nation Network, Suresh Goel, Chairman of IBC 24, Subramaniam, the Managing Director of News7 Tamil, Aishwarya Sharma, Promoter, ITV Network and Director of The Sunday Guardian Foundation, Jagdish Pawra, the Channel Head for VTV Network, Prashant Neema, Channel Head of Sandesh News, Pravindra Kumar,  leads the Editorial operations at Network 10 and NBF Secretariats R Jai Krishna and Eshita.

    The NBF is a body with more than 50 news broadcasters that disseminates news in over 14 languages, across more than 25 states of India.

  • Republic Media Network unleashes expansion in top management

    Republic Media Network unleashes expansion in top management

    Mumbai: Republic Media Network, India’s rapidly expanding media conglomerate, is thrilled to announce its fresh, dynamic, and strategic role changes to its senior management team, further solidifying its position for a mega growth journey ahead.

    The decisions are in continuance of the vision of Republic Media Network’s chairman Arnab Goswami that the network’s business should be bifurcated into robust independent verticals, each expanding the realms of potential in terms of scaling up. The decisions also reflect the Network’s solid belief in building talent within and unleashing its power through the supersonic yet steady scale-up journey.

    In the wave of decisions,

     .  Arun Rawat takes over as the nation head for Republic Bharat

    .   Satabadi Sharma Pathak takes over as the head of Republic Kannada

     .  Purnasha Sharraf takes over as the national head of Republic Bangla

     .  Abhinav Sharma takes over as the head of Republic TV

     .  Sanjukta Kapoor takes a leadership role in business branded content

     .  Joy Michael Dsouza takes a leadership role in government business

    Arun Rawat, a seasoned industry veteran, has been an integral part of the Republic Media Network since its inception and has played a pivotal role in shaping its success story. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Rawat is poised to lead Republic Bharat to unprecedented heights of success in market dominance.

    Satabadi Sharma Pathak has successfully led Republic Bharat, ensuring its business vision is executed strategically and with dynamism. Under Pathak, Republic Kannada has quickly achieved remarkable revenue growth within a short time. Pathak has been a core contributor to driving the growth trajectory of Republic’s regional language operations.

    Purnasha Sharraf, leveraging her extensive experience and strategic acumen, steps into the role of national head of Republic Bangla to spearhead revenue expansion and drive excellence in the region. With a seasoned background and an established delivery record, Sharraf ascends to the esteemed role of national head of Republic Bangla. Her extensive experience and astute leadership promise a bright future as she embarks on a fresh mission to not only expand revenue but also to take Bengal’s most successful news channel to greater heights.

    Abhinav Sharma brings with him a successful record of delivery with India’s leading news media brands. As the head of Republic TV, Sharma will level up the network’s legacy of fearless growth, bolstering advertiser experiences and innovative strategic partnerships on the platform to optimize revenue potential.

    Sanjukta Kapoor takes a leadership role in business branded content, poised to propel the Network’s revenue growth through a wide array of strategies and impactful collaborations. Kapoor has been an integral part of the network and has contributed significantly to its growth and achievements.

    Joy Michael Dsouza, stepping into the leadership role of government business, brings a spirit of enthusiasm and dedication. With a focus on fostering strong partnerships and driving innovative solutions, Dsouza will play a pivotal role in advancing Republic Media Network’s objectives in the government sector.

    Republic Media Network’s core philosophy, as inscribed by its chairman Arnab Goswami, has not only nurtured talent but also fostered a culture of empowerment, instilling unwavering confidence in emerging leaders who embody ambition and drive. The network congratulates its large and formidable leaders on their new roles and believes they are primed to spearhead the network’s ambitious expansion plans ahead.

    With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future, on behalf of Republic Media Network, CEO (broadcast business) Hersh Bhandari, said the network is delighted to welcome the accomplished professionals to key leadership positions.

    Commenting on the new appointments, Republic Media Network CEO (broadcast business) Hersh Bhandari said, “I am delighted today and wish the leaders all the very best on their new roles. We know they’re going to deliver exceptionally and take Republic Media Network to heights yet to be reached in Indian media. What’s particularly satisfying to me today is that Republic cultivates talent and unleashes them in positions of top decision-making. At a time that the Network is on the brink of a mega wave of expansion, we are confident that this team will shoulder the business objectives with passion, aggression, and innovation.”

    “The network remains dynamic, aggressive in the investments we make, and adaptable in an ever-evolving landscape, positioning it as a leader in innovation and opportunity,” Bhandari added.

    With a strategic focus on scaling up across languages, mediums, and verticals, Republic Media Network is steadfast in its commitment to dive into new avenues for growth and investment. This forward-looking approach has been consistent with the Republic story since its launch in 2017.

  • Luminous Power Technologies Partners with Republic Media Network for Strategic Election Studio Branding: A Landmark Collaboration in India’s Media Landscape

    Luminous Power Technologies Partners with Republic Media Network for Strategic Election Studio Branding: A Landmark Collaboration in India’s Media Landscape

    Mumbai– Luminous Power Technologies, India’s leading energy solutions company, has partnered with Republic Media Network and announced a strategic Election Studio Branding in India’s media sphere. This partnership marks a significant milestone as the country prepares for the General Election 2024.

    Republic Media Network, recognized as India’s fastest-growing media network, commands vast reach and influence nationwide, annually reaching an astounding 62 crore people. With its commitment to unbiased journalism and comprehensive coverage, Republic Media Network has emerged as a trusted source of news and analysis for millions of individuals.

    With over 35 years of expertise, Luminous has created innovative and technology-driven products, establishing itself as one of India’s most trusted and reliable brands. A pioneer in providing renewable energy solutions, the company is on a mission to deliver transformative solutions and aims to guide its consumers through every facet of their solar journey and is set to bring a unique touch to the upcoming General Election. With India’s real celebration being the electoral process itself, Luminous aims to infuse this spirit into every household, emphasizing the importance of participation and engagement in shaping the nation’s future.

    Mr. Arnab Goswami, Founder and Chairman of Republic Media Network “We are delighted to welcome Luminous as our power partner for Election headquarters studio branding. Republic Media Network has always strived to offer viewers insightful and impactful coverage, and this collaboration further enhances our commitment to delivering excellence. Together with Luminous, we aim to create an immersive experience for our audience, fostering dialogue and engagement around this crucial event. This strategic partnership is just the beginning of some spectacular innovations to be created across our platforms. “

    Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation & Marketing Officer, Luminous Power Technologies said, “The partnership between Luminous and Republic for a Strategic Election headquarters studio branding will seamlessly integrate the brand and election news updates, creating the next big thing in brand-media collaborations.  With this first-ever Studio, we are excited to bring viewers a top-notch experience and redefine how the world sees brand partnerships. It is a unique integration of technology, brand, and media to bring uninterrupted election news this season, creating an immersive experience for the consumers. This partnership takes forward our like-minded ideologies of being end-to-end players and paves the way for an array of opportunities for both of us.”

  • Republic Media Network launches “R. Business”

    Republic Media Network launches “R. Business”

    Mumbai: India’s number one news network Republic World, has announced the launch of its business channel “R. Business”. The logo of the business channel was revealed today at the third Republic India Economic summit by honourable minister of Petroleum Hardeep S. Puri, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Leading economist Mohan Das Pai and chairman and editor-in-chief of Republic media network Arnab Goswami. R. Business is going to be a flagship business channel of the network and will focus on delivering business news across financial, industrial, goods and services, markets, BFSI, and many more business categories with variety and inclusivity.

  • Republic Kannada Summit ‘Kanasina Karnataka’ sets new Industry benchmark with lineup

    Republic Kannada Summit ‘Kanasina Karnataka’ sets new Industry benchmark with lineup

    Mumbai: Two months within launch, Karnataka news channel Republic Kannada has set a new Industry benchmark with its highly successful Republic Kannada Summit titled: Maha Sangma with ‘Kanasina Karnataka’ or a Dream Karnataka as its theme.

    The ground event, held on the the 1 of December in Bengaluru hosted over 40 top personalities from across Karnataka, in an event that was live non stop on the ground and on Live broadcast from 8 am to 8 pm, thereby setting a record for the industry.

    The Summit, aimed at getting the biggest voices from the state to speak on what it takes to be a ‘Dream Karnataka’, brought together topmost religious figures, ministers, politicians across the political spectrum, activists, actors, academics, scientists, thinkers, veterans, top diplomats and biggest nationalist voices, all on one stage.

    Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar attended the event and in a one hour interaction, deliberated on politics, Brand Bengaluru and his vision of ‘Kanasina Karnataka’ or a dream Karnataka. Top ministers including Ramalinga Reddy, Chaluvaraya Swamy, former chief ministers Sadananda Gowda, Basavaraj Bommai, MPs Tejaswi Surya, Pratap Simha attended the event. JDS chief & former CM HD Kumaraswamy, leader Of Oppn R Ashoka made a joint appearance at the Summit. BJP state president BY Vijayendra gave his maiden interview at the Republic Kannada Summit while speaking about the challenges he faces in his new role.

    Young political voices Raksha Ramaiah, Pradip Easwar shared the stage on the need for youth to join the battle for a greater Karnataka. ISRO Scientist part of Chandrayaan 3 Mission, Dr Uma was at the Republic Kannada Summit and along with Actor Bhavana, Former Minister Shashikala Jolle were on the Women’s panel. Deliberating on the Kaveri issue were farmer leaders Kuruburu Shantakumar, Badagalpura Nagendra. Basavaraj Horatti, Chairman of the legislative council deliberated on ways in which constitution can strengthen the fight for the real issues of the people of Karnataka.

    Republic Kannada Summit paid tribute to stars & late actors Puneeth Rajkumar and Chiranjeevi Sarja. Actors Meghana Raj, Saptami Gowda graced the Summit as they discussed ways in which cinema can take the Karnataka story forward. Thinker Chakravarthy Sulibele, Ambassador N Parthasarathi, Air Marshal Murali (Retd) spoke about the ‘Nation First’ principle at the event.
    Addressing the event and gathering virtually, editor in chief Arnab Goswami thanked the people of Karnataka for blessing the youngest channel of the network with the overwhelming response. He thanked the guests virtually for being a part of the first Republic Kannada Summit.

    Launched on the 23 September, Republic Kannada has already set new records with its opening on BARC with the third highest time spent in the breaking news day news wheel. Within two months, the channel has set standards for the entire industry with its 100 per cent news approach that has also forced other channels to change their formats. It is the channel of choice for news for the six crore people of Karnataka. 

  • ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 01 now on connected TVs

    ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 01 now on connected TVs

    Mumbai: The highly acclaimed and awarded Season 01 of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ now makes its world premiere on connected TVs. This rendezvous of legends or legends in the making is set to enthrall audiences with cerebral exchanges of ideas, theories, and experiences that would challenge conventional wisdom.

    After redefining the talk show genre through intellectually stimulating exchanges between the host, TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das and his eclectic array of guests – ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ is now available on Connected TVs on News9 Live every night at 10 pm starting 22 September, through 29 September.

    Speaking about the world premiere TV9 editor News9 MediaVerse – English cluster Rakesh Khar said, “Duologue with Barun Das is the perfect blend of an eclectic discussion worthy of prime-time showcase, as well as an OTT series that stands the test of time. With the first season now premiering on Connected TVs, the synergy between News9 Live and News9 Plus truly comes to light. And that’s the convergence model at play at News9 Mediaverse.”

    News9 Live deputy managing editor Kartikeya Sharma said, “Duologue is not a typical TV interview, it is a stimulating piece of conversation, which is like a breath of fresh air in a cluttered audio-visual world. The series encompasses distinguished achievers from all walks of life, who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields.”

    Along with an updated play out of the News9 Plus season of Duologue, the connected TV and app convergence would truly happen on 29 September with a simulcast of the final episode of Duologue with Barun Das Season 01, featuring celebrated cardiac surgeon and founder of Narayana Health Dr Devi Shetty. This season finale is timed for release on World Heart Day – where the duo discuss the opportunity India has in creating a disruptive health insurance ecosystem that can cater to social security needs for the whole nation.

    “Barun has an easy-going and yet razor-sharp conversational style. He got me to open up on subjects I’ve been quiet about, and I’m glad we ‘duologued’ like I haven’t before,” shared Republic Media Network editor-in-chief and chairman Arnab Goswami about his experience being a guest on Duologue.

    Industry veteran and The Linus Adventures founder & chief evangelist Sunil Lulla said that the show is “Tantalising and intriguing. Duologue opens new voices and new perspectives.”

    News9 Live, which airs Season 01 on connected TVs, can be accessed across the connected TV ecosystem, including live streaming platforms such as Fire TV, Patchwall, Cloud TV, and TCL, as well as aggregator platforms like Distro TV and YuppTV.

    Catch one episode every night at 10 pm:

    22 September: David Cameron, Former Prime Minister of UK
    23 September:  Vijay Deverakonda, Actor
    24 September:  Arnab Goswami, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, Republic Media Network
    25 September:  Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus, ZEEL
    26 September:  Mithali Raj, Former Cricket Captain, India
    27 September:  Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Spiritual Guru
    28 September:  Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and Author & Philanthropist Sudha Murty
    29 September:  Devi Shetty, Chairman & Executive Director, Narayana Health 

  • I.N.D.I.A’s journo boycott & what it means

    I.N.D.I.A’s journo boycott & what it means

    MUMBAI: The lines have been clearly drawn. I.N.D.I.A the ragtag coalition of various political parties has named and “shamed” journalists with whom its members will not have any tuck.

    Amongst them: Republic founder Arnab Goswami, Aaj Tak anchors Chitra Tripathi and Sudhir Choudhary, Network18’s Aman Chopra, Amish Devgan and Anand Narasimham, India Today’s  Gaurav Sawant and Shiv Aroor, Bharat Express’ Aditi Tyagi, Times Now’s Sushant Sinha and Navika Kumar, India TV’s Prachi Parashar, DD News’ Ashok Shrivastava, and Bharat24’s Rubika Liyaquat.

    I.N.D.I.A’s media coordination committee said that none of its members will go into their studios and get into conversation with any of the 14 who have been named in their advisory. The reasoning: they are anti opposition and pro – the ruling party at the Centre.

    Media observers are questioning I.N.D.I.A’s decision. While it is true that signals are being sent out to these media houses as well as to the coalition’s fans that there is a schism in the news media itself and they are open to take journos on, will I.N.D.I.A’s members be deprived of sharing their opinions to a large section of voter-viewers these channels and anchors command. Will that work against the coalition and in favour of the BJP?

    The I.N.D.I.A boycott is also a warning to the news channel’s promoters that they would be deprived of important government spending on ads should any members of the group get elected in the centre or at the state levels. And that will definitely hurt as government spending contributes substantially to many news channel’s health.

    The boycott list also has a few surprises: no anchor from the TV9 network has been named in it. The latter network has often been accused of toeing the BJP line by some segments. So either the accusations have been way off the mark or the TV9’s heft has grown so much that I.N.D.I.A does not want to mess with it. The ABP network too has been spared by the coalition. One has often heard its CEO moan and groan how it has been targeted and deprived of public sector and government spending because it takes a balanced view in its reportage.  However, the group’s alleged proximity to the Congress top brass has often been gossiped about. Then surprisingly journalists of the Subhash Chandra helmed Zee News have been spared by the coalition.

    Are the exemptions and errors is what some media specialists are asking?

    Media observers are also raising their eyebrows on how long can I.N.D.I.A continue with its journalist hate and boycott  list? And whether this step will force the named journos to become more balanced in their news and views. Or at least appear to be non-partisan. Most are sniggering that I.N.D.I.A’s hardline stance is misguided and directed and will not make a difference to the anchors. They state that by trying to “muzzle” the media, they are doing exactly what the current dispensation would like them to do.

    Of course, they and the trolls will continue to make merry on social media. As will the social media bots from the coalition opposition grouping, from the BJP social media punters and from the journos’ supporters running into millions.

    Clearly, while the I.N.D.I.A boycott may end up being short lived for all purposes, it seems to have left an impact in the world of media.

    Is this boycott a right/ethical thing to do? Share your views on our social media.

  • Arnab Goswami duologue with Barun Das: Reveals truth about TV ratings

    Arnab Goswami duologue with Barun Das: Reveals truth about TV ratings

    Mumbai: For the first time since the ED cleared Arnab Goswami and his network of any wrongdoing in the ratings scandal, he speaks candidly about it with Barun Das at news video magazine OTT platform News9 Plus, revealing the plot to frame him.

    In a sensational disclosure, Goswami claimed the entire ratings system was paralysed by the television industry in India to target him. “It was a bitter battle between new entrepreneurship and legacy media.”

    In his statement, he speaks not just about the ratings question but about a whole range of issues facing the Indian news media.

    As Goswami gets into the hot seat of Duologue with Barun Das to answer questions, it is a role reversal – both for Das as well as Goswami.

    TV9 Network managing director & CEO Barun Das has disrupted the news television order in the country. He has now been donning a new role facing the camera in his series Duologue, which featured former UK Prime Minister David Cameron as the last guest.

    Arnab responded to criticism about being pro-establishment in a recent episode of Duologue with Barun Das, citing the “nation wants to know” controversy to his days at NDTV and Times Now, as well as his vision for the Republic.

    Speaking about Goswami’s show, Das said, “I believe leadership is all about disruption. Arnab is phenomenal and makes for an unrivalled case study. You may love him or despise him, but you ignore him at your peril. The best part of having him at Duologue has been his uncanny ability to speak frankly on issues that not only define him but also have a significant bearing on the news media scene in India.”

    After the cameras stopped rolling, Goswami added, “Barun has an easy-going yet razor-sharp conversational style. He got me to open up on subjects I’ve been quiet about, and I’m glad we “duologued” like I haven’t before. I wish his OTT platform and this show all the very best.”

    Talking about the clean chit, Goswami said, “I recorded this Duologue with Barun a few days before the final TRP report came out. He made me speak about our incarceration for the first time since my arrest. People should know the truth about what happened to the Republic, how we fought, and how we have won. Most grateful to Barun for the opportunity.”

    Duologue with Barun Das featuring Arnab will host four episodes: The Disruptors; Friends, foes, and fortitude; Media Inc; and Frankly Speaking, Finally.

    Das’ show is a cerebral conversation with a legend or a legend in the making. As the title suggests, it is a two-way interaction to enable the exchange of ideas in a free-flowing manner. Duologue is not provoked by headline management but to evolve emancipated influencer conversations.

  • NBF writes to I&B minister Anurag Thakur regarding landing page issue

    NBF writes to I&B minister Anurag Thakur regarding landing page issue

    Mumbai: The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has written a letter to the union minister of information and broadcasting Anurag Thakur on the issue of landing pages. The landing page is the first channel that the viewer sees when anyone turns on the set-top box.

    The letter is signed by NBF founding president Arnab Goswami and secretary-general Jai Krishna.

    NBF has asked the I&B ministry to address the issue of the landing page being measured by the viewership rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) as ‘true viewership’, thereby skewing the final data.

    In its letter, NBF argues that the use of landing pages to alter viewership data is a ‘restrictive trade practice’ leading the way for monopolies to be formed in the news media industry.

    Read Also: Why Barc’s landing page viewership measurement is worrying TV9’s Barun Das

    It claims, “The brazen use of landing pages, bought at a price, to artificially amplify viewership data of certain channels gives channels with deep pockets an anti-competitive advantage. It is shocking that some news channels today get 84 per cent of their viewership from just two states in India, because of landing pages.”

    The letter puts the onus of resolving the landing page issue on Barc stating that the TV audience measurement firm can exclude landing page data from viewership estimates.

    The letter further reads, “In the past, Barc had included unfiltered outliers data from the landing page for its rating data, but had later decided to exclude it from viewership. Therefore, it is clear that Barc has both the ability and the precedent of filtering out landing page data while calculating viewership, but is still not doing so. In fact, in the past, Barc had itself termed the use of landing pages as a “false exaggeration of viewership.”

    The letter appeals to the I&B minister to intervene in the matter.“The NBF is fully committed to working with the Ministry and all stakeholders across the board to address the issue collectively and reach a solution,” the letter concludes.