BARC issues notice to Raj TV over viewership numbers

Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has issued a show cause notice to Tamil Nadu-based broadcasting company Raj Television Network, according to media reports. The reports state that the company allegedly paid viewers to watch its channel, Raj TV, in a bid to bloat its viewership numbers. As per media reports, such a notice has been issued for the first time in the broadcasting industry.

Media reports further state that in the show cause notice BARC has alleged that certain ‘sample’ homes with its measurement meters “have been approached and have been asked to watch your channel ‘Raj TV’, against payment of consideration”.

Meanwhile, M Ragunathan, Director of Marketing, Raj Television Network, told The Times of India that the allegations were baseless and that his company would be meeting BARC in this regard.