The TRP scam is taking many twists day by day. Sivaganga Member of Parliament (MP) Karti Chidambaram has addressed to Chairman of Standing Committee Information Technology, Shashi Tharoor, asking him to receive a description and take steps in the issue encompassing Television Rating Points (TRPs) of TV news channels, that has come to light recently. The Mumbai police on Thursday detained four persons, including employees working with Republic TV, for allegedly fixing television ratings.
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In the letter written, Karti Chidambaram stated, “The recent issues surrounding Television Rating Points of television channels have cast doubts on the legitimacy and reliability of the system. The TRPs produce essential data on television audiences in India and have become the primary basis for advertising decisions.” He further added, “Government advertising expenditure depends on this system, but public spending should not be based on flawed data. There is a need for further understanding of this situation." He requested the standing committee on Information Technology to take up the issue and query the necessary clarification.
Karti said, “I request you to call before the Committee concerned, officials of the responsible ministry, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to seek necessary clarification on the current situation and remedial measures.” On Thursday, Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh told that Republic TV was found to be involved in a false TRP racket. He said that the people responsible for altering the TRPs will be arrested even if they are the director, promoter or other employees. The channels also allegedly provided money for slum dwellers and non-English speaking people to keep the channel switched on during the day, to increase TRP ratings.