Broadcasting to be brought under Prasar Bharati route

Subject: Governance

Information and Broadcasting Minister said that the entry of Central/State/UT Government into the business of broadcast for educational purposes should be done through the Prasar Bharati route through suitable agreements between Prasar Bharati and the government concerned.
The advisory had been issued after examination of the recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on the extant matter and stakeholder consultations on the issue.
Before finalising, the TRAI’s views were sought on giving dispensation to State and Central Governments for running channels for non-commercial educational purposes.
The TRAI had responded that the requirements of Central/State Governments regarding dissemination of educational content on a non-commercial basis should be met through the Prasar Bharati route, said the Minister.
Such entities distributing the broadcasting content have been asked to “extract themselves” from it by December 31, 2023.

TRAI’s Recommendations

In 2012, the TRAI had suggested that the Central and State governments, their companies, undertakings, joint ventures with the private sector and the entities funded by the governments should not be allowed to enter the business of broadcasting and, or, distribution of TV channels.
It relied upon the Sarkaria Commission’s recommendation and the Cricket Association case verdict.
The importance of Prasar Bharati should also not be lost sight of.
The body should fulfil the legitimate aspirations of government entities as regards broadcasting activities, while at the same time recommending the ‘arm’s length’ relationship between Prasar Bharati and the government be further strengthened to enhance its autonomy and functional independence.

Prasar Bharti

Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous body. It is the Public Service Broadcaster of the country.
It was established under the Prasar Bharati Act in 1997.
The Prasar Bharati Corporation’s main objective is to provide autonomy to Doordarshan and Akashvani in order to “educate and entertain the public.