New Delhi, Sept. 29 -- A top television executive has strongly urged the government to immediately restore audience ratings ahead of the festive season, warning that the blackout is creating severe uncertainty for broadcasters and advertisers. Speaking at FICCI FRAMES on Tuesday, Kevin Vaz, CEO of entertainment at JioStar and chair of the FICCI media and entertainment committee, called for the urgent resumption of data from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).

The ministry of information and broadcasting had directed BARC to suspend all TV ratings on 3 July until it completes registration under the new Television Ratings Policy, 2026, which mandates larger sample sizes and independent audits.

"The industry strongly urges the ...