Prasoon Joshi Appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati
New Delhi, May 02: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist and communications expert Prasoon Joshi as the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati, marking a significant leadership change at India’s public service broadcaster.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence that Joshi’s creative vision and deep cultural understanding would bring renewed energy and direction to the organisation. He highlighted Joshi’s unique ability to blend artistic excellence with a strong connection to Indian values and storytelling traditions.
Government Signals Creative Push in Public Broadcasting
Welcoming the appointment, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described Joshi as a rare creative force whose work reflects India’s cultural depth and contemporary voice. The minister expressed confidence that under his leadership, Prasar Bharati would gain renewed energy, stronger purpose, and a fresh creative direction. The endorsement underscores the government’s intent to align public broadcasting with evolving audience expectations while retaining its cultural roots.
A Creative Professional with Wide Influence
Prasoon Joshi brings with him decades of experience across multiple domains, including cinema, advertising, and literature. Widely regarded for his impactful lyrics and storytelling, he has contributed significantly to shaping modern Indian media narratives. His ability to connect with diverse audiences through culturally resonant content has made him one of the most influential creative voices in the country.
Experience Across Institutions and Industry
Before taking on this role, Joshi served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification since 2017, where he worked on refining certification processes while maintaining a balance between artistic freedom and regulatory oversight. His corporate leadership experience includes heading McCann Worldgroup in India and serving as Chairman for the Asia Pacific region, where he played a key role in shaping brand communication strategies. He has also been associated with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts as a trustee, further strengthening his engagement with India’s cultural ecosystem.
Role of Prasar Bharati in India’s Media Landscape
Established under the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990 and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati serves as India’s autonomous public service broadcaster. It operates key platforms such as All India Radio and Doordarshan, which together reach millions across urban and rural India in multiple languages. The organisation plays a central role in delivering news, educational programming, and culturally significant content, while also promoting national integration and preserving heritage.
Leadership at a Time of Transformation
Joshi’s appointment comes as Prasar Bharati navigates a rapidly changing media environment marked by digital disruption, the rise of OTT platforms, and shifting viewer habits. The broadcaster has already begun expanding its digital footprint through initiatives such as OTT services and archival digitisation. In this context, Joshi’s creative and strategic perspective is expected to help reposition the organisation to remain relevant and competitive.
A Shift Towards Content-Driven Strategy
The decision to appoint a creative leader instead of a conventional administrative figure reflects a broader shift in approach. It suggests an increasing emphasis on storytelling, audience engagement, and content innovation within public broadcasting. With his background in both creative industries and institutional roles, Joshi is expected to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, potentially redefining how Prasar Bharati connects with contemporary audiences.
