Appointment of Prasoon Joshi as Chairman of Prasar Bharati

Prasoon Joshi's appointment as Chairman of Prasar Bharati marks a significant leadership change in India's public broadcasting sector. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Paper 2, as it involves governance and policy issues. Last Updated: 09-05-2026

Key Facts About Prasar Bharati

• Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous public service broadcaster established under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990.
• It became operational in 1997 and functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Prasar Bharati comprises two main components: Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan.
• Akashvani is one of the world’s largest radio networks.
• Doordarshan is India’s national television broadcaster.
• Prasar Bharati's mandate is to provide information, education, and entertainment services.
• It launched the Waves OTT platform to enhance free-to-air Over-The-Top services.

Significance of Public Broadcasting in India

Public broadcasting plays a crucial role in India's socio-economic development by ensuring access to information and education across diverse demographics. It supports India's strategic goals of inclusive growth and digital empowerment. With the rise of digital media, Prasar Bharati's initiatives like the Waves OTT platform are pivotal in maintaining its relevance and reach.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations - Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.
• Prelims: Questions on the establishment year of Prasar Bharati, its components, and recent initiatives like the Waves OTT platform.
• Mains: Analytical themes on the impact of leadership changes in public institutions and the role of public broadcasting in democracy.

FAQ Section

• What is Prasar Bharati?
  Prasar Bharati is India's statutory autonomous public service broadcaster, established under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, and operational since 1997.
• Why is Prasar Bharati important?
  Prasar Bharati is crucial for providing unbiased information, education, and entertainment services, supporting India's democratic and developmental goals.
• What are the key features of Prasar Bharati?
  Key features include its autonomy, the dual components of Akashvani and Doordarshan, and initiatives like the Waves OTT platform to enhance digital broadcasting.