TRP scam: Shock, outrage on social media over Arnab Goswami and ex-BARC CEO's WhatsApp chats

NEW DELHI: The leaked WhatsApp conversations between Republic TV executive editor Arnab Goswami and former CEO of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC)

Partho Dasgupta

has brought to the fore evidence of alleged collusion to influence TV ratings.


The purported WhatsApp conversations between the two, which are a part of the chargesheet submitted by the police in the court, reveal blatant misuse of official position by Partho Dasgupta to help his "friend" Arnab Goswami.



The

TRP scam

came to light in October last year when BARC filed a complaint through Hansa Research Group, alleging that certain television channels, including Republic TV, were rigging their TRP numbers.

In the purported conversations, the ex-CEO of BARC is seen not just guiding Arnab on how to consolidate the position of Republic TV and Republic Bharat, but also seeking favours in return in the form of "media advisor kind of position with the PMO".




These WhatsApp conversations have gone viral on social media with people expressing shock and dismay at the alleged connivance between Partho Dasgupta and Arnab Goswami to manipulate the system.

Also, the alleged claims made by Arnab Goswami over his reach and influence with the government and his blatant misuse of this to further his business interests have evoked strong reactions on social media.

Here is a look at some of the reactions on Twitter:
'Hatsoff to Mumbai police for digging this scam out'


Balakot: 'Bigger than a normal strike'





'Arnab was celebrating Pulwama terror attacks'




'Arnab sent 50 crew members to J&K two days before Article 370 abrogation was announced'




'Get me media advisor role with PMO'