The Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) has expressed "dismay" at the leak and "misrepresentation" of its confidential communication by the Republic Network.
BARC released a statement through its Twitter handle where it said, "BARC has not commented on the ongoing investigation and it is providing necessary assistance to the law enforcement agency."
"BARC is highly disappointed with the actions of the Republic Network by disclosing private and confidential communications and misrepresenting the same.”
"BARC reiterates that it has not commented on the ongoing investigation and without prejudice to BARC India's rights, it expresses its dismay at the actions of the Republic Network," it added.
BARC dismays leak of a confidential communication by Republic: Key points
- The Mumbai Police earlier alleged that three channels - Republic TV, Box Cinema, and Marathi channel Fakt Marathi - were rigging TRP ratings to increase their advertisement revenue. Republic TV has denied the allegations.
- Earlier, Republic Network had said that "With the BARC email in public, the fake news-based campaign against Republic Media Network led by Mumbai Police Commissioner comes to an end."
- They had also said that it is delighted to inform the people of India that it has an official email from rating agency BARC clearly stating that there is not a single complaint or malpractice found against Republic TV, Republic Bharat, or any other affiliate of the News Network.
- They had further added that, with the disclosure of BARC, the fake-news based campaign against Republic led by Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh comes to an end.
- “On October 17, Republic Network Group CEO Vikas Khanchandani received an official email from BARC clearly stating that there is not a single complaint or malpractice found against or by our Network by the rating agency," said Republic in its claim.
