STAR channels to join BARB system?

The latest fad for Asian TV channels is signing up to the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (BARB).

Recently a handful of channels have subscribed to the official audience measuring body. Prime TV was one of the first, followed by DD Rayat (now defunct), Sunrise TV and ZEE Muzic.

The latest to join will be the STAR Network of four channels including STAR Plus, STAR News, STAR Gold and STAR One. Currently it is unknown whether BARB will report the viewing figures for all four channels or just a couple.

According to sources, the network will sign up to BARB from early next year.

INX Network, which runs 9X and 9XM is also rumoured to be in talks with BARB to get its music channel 9XM audience figures officially verified.