**Summary:**
As of July 23, 2025, India's press and media ecosystem demonstrates significant growth. The number of publications registered with the Press Registrar General of India has increased from 1.05 Lakh in 2014-15 to 1.55 Lakh in 2024-25. The number of private satellite TV channels has also increased from 821 in 2014-15 to 908 in 2024-25. Prasar Bharati is expanding its regional outreach through DD Free Dish and the Broadcasting Infrastructure Network Development (BIND) Scheme (2021-26). Currently, 92 private channels and 50 Doordarshan (DD) channels are available on DD Free Dish, broadcasting in multiple regional languages. Under the BIND Scheme, three transmitters have been approved in Himachal Pradesh: a 5kW transmitter in Mandi and 1kW FM transmitters in Chamba and Dharampur each. This information was submitted by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L Murugan in Lok Sabha. Contact persons: Dharmendra Tewari and Navin Sreejith; Release ID: 2147585.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Indian government ministry responsible for information and broadcasting.
Press Registrar General of India: The authority in India responsible for registering publications.
Prasar Bharati: India's public service broadcaster.
DD Free Dish: A free-to-air direct broadcast satellite service in India operated by Doordarshan.
BIND Scheme: Broadcasting Infrastructure Network Development Scheme, a government initiative for expanding Prasar Bharati's network.
Himachal Pradesh: A state in Northern India where transmitters have been approved under the BIND scheme.
Dr L Murugan: Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
India’s Vibrant Press and Media Ecosystem Expands
with Over 1.55 Lakh Publications and 908 Private TV
Channels
Prasar Bharati Expands Regional Outreach Through
DD Free Dish and BIND Scheme
92 Private and 50 DD Channels Available on DD
Free Dish, Covering Multiple Regional Languages
Posted On: 23 JUL 2025 8:45PM by PIB Delhi
India has a vibrant press and media ecosystem, which has witnessed growth in recent years, as mentioned
below:
Number of publications registered with the Press Registrar General of India has increased from
(cid:108)
1.05 Lakh in 2014-15 to 1.55 Lakh in 2024-25.
Number of private satellite TV Channels have also increased from 821 in 2014-15 to 908 in 2024-
(cid:108)
25.
As of today, 92 private channels and 50 Doordarshan Channels are available on DD Free Dish. Both private
and DD channels operate in various regional languages, ensuring wider audience reach across the country.
Expansion of Prasar Bharati’s network across the country is a continuous process undertaken under the
Broadcasting Infrastructure & Network Development (BIND) Scheme 2021-26. Three transmitters have been
approved under this scheme in Himachal Pradesh. These include 5kW transmitter in Mandi and 1kW FM
transmitters in Chamba and Dharampur each.
This information was submitted by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan
in Lok Sabha today.
***
Dharmendra Tewari \ Navin Sreejith
(Release ID: 2147585)