Prasar Bharati Formation (1997): The Birth of India’s Public Broadcasting Authority

The formation of Prasar Bharati in 1997 marked a historic milestone in India’s broadcasting landscape. It represented a significant shift from direct government control toward autonomous public service broadcasting. Prasar Bharati, which oversees All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan, plays a crucial role in informing, educating, and entertaining millions of Indians across the country.

Established on 23 November 1997, Prasar Bharati aimed to ensure independence, credibility, and public accountability in broadcasting. This transformation was not merely administrative—it reflected India’s evolving democratic values and commitment to free and responsible media.

Background: Broadcasting in India Before 1997

Before the formation of Prasar Bharati, broadcasting in India was directly controlled by the government through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. All India Radio, established in 1936, and Doordarshan, launched in 1959, functioned as government departments.

While these institutions played a vital role in nation-building, education, and cultural preservation, concerns grew regarding editorial independence and political influence. Over time, the need for an autonomous public broadcaster became increasingly apparent.

The idea was not to remove government support, but to create a structure that ensured fairness, credibility, and public trust.

The Vision Behind Prasar Bharati

The concept of an autonomous broadcasting authority was first discussed in the 1970s. The B.G. Verghese Committee strongly recommended the establishment of an independent body to manage public broadcasting services.

The vision behind Prasar Bharati included:

• Ensuring editorial independence

• Promoting cultural diversity

• Supporting democratic values

• Providing unbiased and accurate information

• Strengthening public trust in media

These principles laid the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest public broadcasting organizations.

The Prasar Bharati Act, 1990

The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, was passed by the Indian Parliament to formalize the creation of an autonomous broadcasting body. However, the act came into effect only in 1997.

This delay was due to administrative, political, and structural challenges. When it finally became operational, it marked a turning point in Indian media history.

Formation of Prasar Bharati in 1997

On 23 November 1997, Prasar Bharati officially came into existence. It became the umbrella organization responsible for managing Doordarshan and All India Radio (Akashvani).

The new structure aimed to provide functional autonomy while maintaining accountability to Parliament. This balance was essential to ensure independence without compromising national responsibility.

Organizational Structure of Prasar Bharati

Prasar Bharati operates through a governing board that includes:

• A Chairperson

• An Executive Member

• Representatives from the fields of culture, education, and media

• Directors General of Doordarshan and All India Radio

This structure ensures diverse representation and professional decision-making.

Role of All India Radio (Akashvani)

All India Radio is one of the largest radio networks in the world. It reaches millions of listeners daily through various regional, national, and international services.

AIR plays a vital role in:

• Disseminating news and information

• Promoting regional languages and culture

• Supporting education and public awareness

• Broadcasting emergency and disaster-related information

Its credibility and reach make it an essential public service.

Role of Doordarshan

Doordarshan is India’s national television broadcaster and has been a cornerstone of visual media since 1959. Over the decades, it has contributed significantly to education, entertainment, and social awareness.

Doordarshan’s role includes:

• Educational programming

• Cultural preservation

• Rural outreach

• National integration

It continues to serve audiences across urban and rural India.

Public Broadcasting and Democracy

Public broadcasting is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Prasar Bharati ensures that citizens receive accurate, balanced, and inclusive information without commercial pressure.

Unlike private broadcasters driven primarily by profit, public broadcasters prioritize public interest. This allows for meaningful discussions, cultural programming, and educational content that might otherwise be neglected.

Cultural Preservation and National Identity

One of Prasar Bharati’s greatest contributions lies in preserving India’s diverse cultural heritage. Through regional programming, folk arts, classical music, and local storytelling, it supports linguistic and cultural diversity.

This inclusive approach strengthens national unity while celebrating regional uniqueness.

Educational and Social Contributions

Educational broadcasting has been a key function of Prasar Bharati. Programs related to literacy, agriculture, health, science, and civic awareness have reached even the most remote parts of the country.

During national emergencies and crises, Prasar Bharati has served as a reliable source of information, helping guide public behavior and reduce misinformation.

Challenges Faced by Prasar Bharati

Despite its achievements, Prasar Bharati has faced several challenges, including:

• Financial constraints

• Technological modernization

• Competition from private media

• Maintaining editorial independence

Adapting to the digital era while staying true to public service values remains an ongoing challenge.

Digital Transformation and the Future

In recent years, Prasar Bharati has embraced digital platforms to expand its reach. Online streaming, mobile apps, and digital archives have made content more accessible.

This transformation ensures relevance in a rapidly changing media environment while continuing to serve diverse audiences.

Public Trust and Credibility

Trust is the foundation of public broadcasting. Over decades, Prasar Bharati has earned credibility by maintaining ethical journalism and balanced reporting.

This trust allows it to play a stabilizing role during times of national uncertainty or crisis.

Global Perspective on Public Broadcasting

Public broadcasters worldwide, such as the BBC and NHK, share similar values with Prasar Bharati. These institutions demonstrate how public media can coexist with private broadcasters while serving democratic interests.

India’s experience adds a unique perspective due to its scale, diversity, and complexity.

Relevance in Contemporary India

Even today, Prasar Bharati remains deeply relevant. It connects urban and rural populations, bridges information gaps, and supports democratic participation.

As India continues to evolve socially and technologically, the importance of strong public institutions like Prasar Bharati becomes even more significant.

Legacy and Impact

The establishment of Prasar Bharati in 1997 marked a defining moment in India’s media history. It strengthened the foundation of independent broadcasting and reinforced the role of media as a public service.

Its legacy continues to influence how information is shared, culture is preserved, and democracy is strengthened.

Conclusion

The formation of Prasar Bharati stands as a landmark achievement in India’s democratic journey. It represents the nation’s commitment to free expression, informed citizenship, and cultural diversity.

As media landscapes evolve, Prasar Bharati remains a symbol of responsibility, integrity, and public service. Its continued growth and adaptation will shape the future of broadcasting in India for generations to come.