BARC Flays Republic TV For Disclosing Private Communication

TV viewership rating agency BARC India has accused Republic TV of misrepresentation of confidential communication, claiming of not commenting on the ongoing investigation on manipulation of ratings.

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) via an official communication said, "cooperating with the law enforcement agencies in their ongoing investigation in the Television Rating Points (TRP) manipulation case".

"BARC India is highly disappointed with the actions of the Republic Network by disclosing private and confidential communications and misrepresenting the same. BARC India reiterates that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and without prejudice to BARC India's rights, it expresses its dismay at the actions of the Republic Network," it said.

Mumbai police, on a BARC complaint, is investigating allegations of manipulation of TRP ratings. Republic TV is one of the four channels being investigated.

The statement came after Republic TV disclosed an email conversation between BARC's CEO Sunil Lulla and Republic Media Network CEO Vikas Khanchandani.

As per the claims of Republic TV, Khanchandani wrote an email to BARC on October 16, to confirm in public domain that the body has found no infringement by Republic.