Parliament Question: Reforms to Strengthen Editorial Independence

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2809 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2026) REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE 2809. ADV. PRIYA SAROJ: SHRI PUSHPENDRA SAROJ: Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state: (a) the details of budget allocation, actual expenditure and revenue generation of public broadcasting services during the last five years, year-wise along with the proportion funded through direct Government grants; (b) the number of editorial or content-related complaints received alleging bias, lack of transparency or compromised independence and the findings recorded in internal reviews or oversight mechanisms; (c) the number of grievances or formal representations received from journalists, employees or media bodies concerning autonomy, appointments or editorial functioning of public broadcasters; (d) the findings of performance audits, reach surveys or evaluation studies regarding audience share, credibility perception and public trust levels; and (e) the details of structural, legal or governance reforms introduced to strengthen editorial independence, financial transparency and institutional autonomy of public broadcasting services? *****ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN) (a) to (e) Government has approved a Central Sector Scheme namely Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme for development, modernization and upgradation of broadcasting infrastructure of Prasar Bharati in the country for the years 2021-26. The scheme has been extended till 31.3.2027. The funds allocated in budget, actual expenditure and revenue generation is available on Prasar Bharati website. Editorial matters are regularly reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and senior editorial teams. When needed, guidance and corrective measures are taken to improve the quality, accuracy, balance, and presentation of news while ensuring compliance with Prasar Bharati's editorial policies and Programme Code. Viewer complaints or feedback, including those related to editorial content, are forwarded to the relevant editorial team for appropriate action as per established policy. In last one year, no grievances or formal representations received from journalists, employees or media bodies concerning autonomy, appointments or editorial functioning of public broadcasters. However 07 complaints regarding appointment were received from the applicants. Akashvani covers about 98% of population and about 90% by area of the country. “DD Free Dish” is receivable anywhere in the country free of subscription charges. Prasar Bharati reviews viewership data, audience feedback, and social media analytics, and uses these insights to continuously improve the quality, content, and presentation of its news as part of its regular editorial process. *****