New Delhi, March 6 -- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Friday directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to withhold reporting Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for a period of four weeks or until further notice, citing concerns over sensationalism amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

In an official order, the Ministry cited concerns over "unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content", which may create panic among the general public, particularly for those with friends and family in the affected regions.

The order references Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, which requires companies to comply with directions issued by the Ministry. Acco...