Republic TV accuses TV18 of violating TRAI regulations on landing page
Republic TV, the English news channel from Arnab Goswami’s ARG Outlier Media, has alleged that TV18, another leading news channel network, has violated TRAI guidelines. In a letter to TRAI, Republic TV has alleged that News18 has started its landing page on Hathway Digital, which is against the direction stated by TRAI on December 3. The letter was submitted on March 6 to TRAI.
Adgully contacted the TV18 Network to verify the news but was not able to get any response till the time of filing the report. Republic TV also could not be reached for comments.
As per the TRAI regulation: “Distributors are free to run non-TRP rated TV channels or clippings/ trailers of programmes or services on its landing page. The broadcaster and the distributors must not undertake carrying programmes containing watermark ID on the landing LCN. They can promote and advertise about the TRP rated TV channels by running the information about specific programs/ serial of such channels or by running general information such as name, logo and LCN of such channels on landing page. Thus, various legitimate means are available for the broadcasters and the distributors to carry out marketing for their TV channels/ programmes and attract consumers without distorting television ratings. As such this direction would not curtail their legitimate earnings or freedom to do business.”
The future of this accusation is yet to be decided by TRAI.
Republic TV network created a buzz last week when it claimed leadership in both Hindi and English genres. A report in the last week stated that “Republic Network smashed the national news networks and commanded No. 1 position with 184 million reach. The viewership of Republic Bharat has increased by 228% over the period in the last five weeks, doubling the reach to 138 million. Republic Bharat was ahead this week, keeping its focus on its core agenda of Rashtravad and 100% news. In the English News genre, Republic TV continued its winning streak, being number one consistently since 95 weeks.”
The same report cited a Republic TV spokesperson mentioning that “Republic Bharat has as per the latest BARC viewership figures become the No. 2 Hindi news channel in India. (Aajtak 14.2 crore; Republic Bharat 13.8 crore). Having decisively beaten ABP, Zee, TV18 and smaller channels like India TV and News24, republic Republic Bharat is now the leader in Hindi News with the highest engagement levels in the Hindi news genre. I am also delighted to share that with a lead of 12 per cent over Times Now, Republic TV English is by far the leader in English news. This makes the Republic Media Network the No. 1 all India news Network. Our digital presence at 24 million makes us also the largest TV+Digital news organisation in India. This is a historic moment and marks the emergence of a new news wave in India. I am deeply grateful for your support and reaffirm my resolve to transform the news landscape in the country with our promise of 100 per cent news.”
It was also stated that several news channels have accused Arnab Goswami, the leading face and Founder of Republic TV, to be spreading false news on its viewership. “We would like to inform you that Arnab Goswami of Republic is spreading lies and false information about the viewership figures of his Hindi channel, claiming them to be BARC numbers. He is falsely claiming high viewership and reach numbers and running a campaign, sending out text messages with fake figures that his channel has beaten all Hindi channels. You are being informed that his claims are absolutely false and will be challenged by other news broadcasters. You are requested to ignore his lies and false claims, which are highly unethical and immoral.”