Stories
Punit Goenka: Regulation Must Evolve with Media Industry to Avoid Constraint
- •Punit Goenka, MD and CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, stated that regulation needs to keep pace with the evolving media industry, warning that outdated rules could constrain the sector.
- •Speaking at FICCI FRAMES 2026, Goenka expressed frustration over the continued absence of BARC television ratings, emphasizing that this issue is part of a broader regulatory context.
- •Goenka highlighted that regulatory challenges, such as the BARC ratings issue or TRAI pricing, should not be viewed in isolation but as interconnected aspects affecting the industry's evolution.
- •Gaurav Banerjee of Sony Pictures Networks India suggested the industry might need to rethink transaction methods between content owners and advertisers, considering an upgrade to the existing ratings system.
- •Rahul Kanwal of NDTV stressed that BARC remains the only universal currency for advertisers and broadcasters, comparing its absence to "fighting an election without knowing who won," and warned it could accelerate the shift of ad money to digital platforms.
Key Questions Answered
Speaking at FICCI FRAMES 2026 in Mumbai, Zee Entertainment Managing Director and CEO Punit Goenka expressed confusion over the continued absence of television ratings. He warned that regulation must keep pace with industry evolution, or it risks becoming a constraint on the sector.
NDTV CEO and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal stated that BARC remains the only universal currency accepted by advertisers and broadcasters. He compared the lack of ratings to driving a blind car, noting that it creates uncertainty and accelerates the shift of ad money from linear television to digital platforms.
During his keynote address at FICCI FRAMES 2026, JioStar CEO Kevin Vaz strongly urged the Ministry to immediately restore the release of BARC audience ratings. He emphasized that reliable measurement is critical for efficient brand campaign planning and supporting economic activity amid global uncertainty.
