TRPs take a short break
The announcement of deferring the TAM data during week 41 ((October 7, 2012,) to week 49 (December 8, 2012) by the industry bodies, Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA), in consensus with TAM (Television Audience Measurement), has led to a set of mixed reactions from the TV industry. The nine week data is said to release along with the week 50 (December 9-15, 2012) results, leading to
more speculations.
That tracks in the storylines are decided by TRPs is known. Without these charts for the nine weeks, the unanimous feeling is that till December 19, Wednesday blues will be a thing of the past. Here's how some from the TV industry reacted:
Harshad Chopra
For a while math takes a backseat and creativity takes the front. This move increases expectations from actors. This is the best time to concentrate on the storyline in the temporary absence of TRPs.
Karan Tacker
TRP figures for TV are like box-office results are for Bollywood. One can't calculate the finer details haphazardly because creativity is an ongoing process. But, digitization is a process which would lead to segregation of content in a way where relevant content will reach the relevant target audience. There is no need to feel let down by low TRPs, but content might undergo a sea change and more progressive shows might be brought forth in the future.
Barun Sobti
Well, everyone knows that the TV industry revolves around the TRPs. I feel, TRPs should not matter much to an actor. Of course, they matter a lot to the makers of a show. But life's the same with or without these TRPs for us.
Rajan Shahi
The industry is tuned to TRPs which determine whether a show is doing well or not. Each Wednesday, careers are made and destroyed because of TRPs. Everything has become TRP oriented. So when some shows don't get good TRPs, stories change overnight. Even the spotboys have started talking about TRPs. For two months, there will be peaceful functioning because the creative process is not going to stop. At the same time it's going to be speculative on what will be the measured outcome on December 19.
JD Majethia
It is a step in the wake of digitization. Only working with your conviction is the best mode at this point of time. Digitisation will enable differentiation and classification of things with more clarity. I'm sure this step is going to lead to a niche programming mix. But it will take its due course of time ' about 10 years to converge in terms of content. The week 50 data is going to set another benchmark where what works for the metros will be clear. It's going to be a roller coaster ride till then.
Anas Rashid
Checking TRPs every week is none of my business as an actor. In fact, this Wednesday, I was happy because there was no TRP talk. These days everyone talks a lot about TRPs. Even my mom asks me about TRPs of shows. It needs to be seen what the results are going to be like owing to digitization.
Vaishnavi McDonald Though there are a lot of speculations doing rounds, we should wait till December.
Adaa Khan For two months, everybody can have a relaxed Tuesday. Now there is more talk on digitization and set top boxes. Wish all the entertainment content reaches the audience everywhere.
Aamir Ali The TV industry is TRP driven. This is the first time there will be no TRPs. As an actor, I'll focus on the shows I am doing.
