No comment has been made by BARC India on the alleged fake fraud recently surfaced in the TV media world and the ongoing investigation in this matter. BARC India has issued a statement saying that it is helping legal agencies in all possible ways in the investigation. By issuing a statement, BARC India has also expressed disappointment over the mails recently made public by the Republic media.
BARC India has stated that Republic Networks not only made private and confidential information public but also misrepresented it. BARC India clarified that it did not comment on the investigation being carried out by law agencies on its behalf and is disappointed with the steps taken by the Republic Network.
The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) announced a temporary suspension of news channels ratings last Thursday following an alleged fake TRP scam. An official statement said the council intends to review and improve the current standards of measurement to improve “statistical robustness”, and due to this exercise the weekly rating will be “postponed” by 12 weeks. .
BARC said: “BARC has not commented on the ongoing investigation and it is providing necessary assistance to the law enforcement agency.”
“BARC is highly disappointed with the actions of Republic Network by disclosing private and confidential communications and misrepresenting the same”.
“BARC 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 added.
“Republic Media Network is delighted to inform the people of India that it has an official email from rating agency BARC clearly stating that there is not a single complaint or malpractice found against Republic TV, Republic Bharat or any other affiliate of the News Network. With the disclosure of BARC, the fake-news based campaign against Republic led by Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh comes to an end.”
“On October 17, Republic Network Group CEO Vikas Khanchandani received an official email from BARC clearly stating that there is not a single complaint or malpractice found against or by our Network by the rating agency,” it said.
According to the statement, BARC’s mail had said: “If there was any disciplinary action initiated under the said Code against ARG Outlier Media then BARC India would have communicated the same to you along with necessary documents for your response.”
Earlier, Republic Network, in a statement, said: “With the BARC email in public, the fake news-based campaign against Republic Media Network led by Mumbai Police Commissioner comes to an end.”
