**Executive Summary**
On May 2, 2026, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting appointed renowned lyricist and communications expert Shri Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati. The appointment is intended to infuse India’s public service broadcaster with renewed creative energy and strategic vision during a period of rapid technological change. Shri Joshi transitions to this role following his tenure as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Appointment and Leadership**
* Shri Prasoon Joshi has been officially named the Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board.
* The appointment is expected to provide a "fresh creative voice" to navigate evolving audience expectations and digital transformations.
* Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted Shri Joshi’s ability to connect diverse audiences through culturally resonant storytelling.
**Professional Background of the Appointee**
* Served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since August 2017.
* Held executive roles as CEO of McCann World Group India and Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific.
* Has been a Trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts since 2016.
* Recognized for extensive contributions to literature, advertising, cinema, and public communication.
**Organizational Mandate and Infrastructure**
* Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous public service broadcaster established under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990.
* The organization operates two major divisions: All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
* Recent digital initiatives include the launch of the "Waves OTT" platform to provide free-to-air digital services.
* The broadcaster focuses on national integration, preserving cultural heritage, and disseminating credible information through terrestrial, DTH, and digital platforms.
**Impact Analysis**
**Shri Prasoon Joshi**
**Impact**
As the new Chairman, he is tasked with leading India's public service broadcaster and applying his creative and regulatory experience to the organization's stewardship.
**Action Required**
Must oversee the strategic direction of Prasar Bharati, managing its transition through technological shifts and overseeing its various divisions.
**Prasar Bharati (including AIR and Doordarshan)**
**Impact**
The organization will undergo a change in leadership aimed at bringing "renewed energy" and a "deeper purpose" to its programming and operations.
**Action Required**
The body must continue its expansion through digital platforms, archival initiatives, and the Waves OTT service under the new Chairman’s vision.
**Ministry of Information & Broadcasting**
**Impact**
The Ministry has successfully filled a key leadership position to ensure the continued governance of the statutory body.
**Action Required**
No specific further action is mentioned other than the formalization of the appointment as released on May 2, 2026.
Key Entities Referenced
Prasar Bharati: India’s statutory autonomous public service broadcaster, encompassing All India Radio and Doordarshan.
Shri Prasoon Joshi: Renowned lyricist and communication expert appointed as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990: The legislative framework under which Prasar Bharati was established as a statutory body.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: The Union Ministry responsible for the appointment and oversight of the public service broadcaster.
Waves OTT platform: The digital service launched by Prasar Bharati to provide free-to-air over-the-top streaming content.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Renowned Lyricist and Communication Expert
Shri Prasoon Joshi Appointed Chairman, Prasar
Bharati
Shri Prasoon Joshi’s Appointment to Bring “Renewed Energy
and Creative Voice”: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
Posted On: 02 MAY 2026 5:12PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist, writer and communications
expert Shri Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster.
Shri Joshi is a distinguished creative professional with wide-ranging contributions across literature,
advertising, cinema, and public communication. Known for his impactful writing and deep cultural
sensibility, he has played a significant role in shaping contemporary Indian media narratives. His body of
work spans acclaimed film lyrics, advertising campaigns, and socially resonant storytelling that connects
with diverse audiences across the country.
On his appointment, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “My
heartfelt congratulations to Shri Prasoon Joshi ji on his appointment as Chairman of the Prasar Bharati
Board. Prasoon ji is a rare creative spirit celebrated across the world in advertising, literature, art and
cinema, yet his heart beats unmistakably for India. His words carry the fragrance of our soil, and his visionreflects the timeless essence of our culture. Under his stewardship, Prasar Bharati will discover renewed
energy, deeper purpose, and a fresh creative voice. My very best wishes to him for a memorable and
meaningful tenure ahead.”
Before this appointment, Shri Joshi has served as Chairperson, Central Board of Film Certification
(CBFC), Mumbai since August 2017 where he contributed to strengthening film certification processes
while engaging with stakeholders across the film industry. His tenure at CBFC reflected a balanced
approach towards creative expression and regulatory responsibility. Earlier, he had also served as CEO,
McCann World Group India and Chairman, McCann World Group Asia Pacific (a subsidiary of McCann
Erickson). He is also one of the Trustees of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts since 2016.
With his extensive experience in creative industries and public communication, Shri Joshi is expected to
bring a unique perspective to the leadership of Prasar Bharati at a time when public broadcasting is
navigating rapid technological transformation and evolving audience expectations.
About Prasar Bharati
Established under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, and operational since
1997, Prasar Bharati is India’s statutory autonomous public service broadcaster. It comprises two major
divisions:
All India Radio (AIR) – one of the largest radio networks in the world, reaching millions across
urban and rural India in multiple languages and dialects.
Doordarshan (DD) – India’s national television broadcaster, offering a wide range of programming
including news, education, entertainment, and cultural content.
Prasar Bharati has also launched Waves OTT platform for strengthening free-to-air OTT services in the
spirit of public broad casting.
Prasar Bharati plays a vital role in disseminating information, promoting national integration, preserving
cultural heritage, and ensuring access to credible public broadcasting services across the country. With a
vast terrestrial and digital footprint, it continues to expand its reach through digital platforms, DTH
services, and archival initiatives.
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Mahesh Kumar/ Aparajita Priyadarshini
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