Prasar Bharati

Prasar Bharati is India's statutory public broadcasting corporation, responsible for public broadcasting through All India Radio and Doordarshan. Under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, its mandate combines information, education and entertainment with objective reporting, cultural diversity and service to disadvantaged groups.

Statutory basis and primary duty

Section 3 establishes Prasar Bharati as a body corporate. Section 12 lays down its functions and objectives, making public service the foundation of its broadcasting mandate.

• Its primary duty is to organise and conduct public broadcasting services to inform, educate and entertain the public.
• It must ensure the balanced development of broadcasting on radio and television.
• Its broadcasting objectives include upholding the country's unity and integrity and the values enshrined in the Constitution.

Citizens' right to information and balanced coverage

The Act requires Prasar Bharati to safeguard citizens' right to be informed freely, truthfully and objectively on matters of public interest, both national and international.

• It must present a fair and balanced flow of information, including contrasting views, without advocating any opinion or ideology of its own.
• It must provide adequate coverage of the diverse cultures and languages of India's regions through appropriate programmes.
• It must promote national integration through broadcasting that facilitates communication in India's languages and facilitates the distribution of regional broadcasting services in the languages of each state.

Developmental, inclusive and technical responsibilities

The mandate extends beyond news. It requires programming that advances social justice, supports development and addresses audiences whose needs might otherwise receive inadequate attention.

• It must pay special attention to education, literacy, agriculture, rural development, the environment, health and family welfare, and science and technology.
• It must provide appropriate sports coverage, encourage sportsmanship and address the special needs of young people.
• It must address women's status and problems, promote their upliftment, combat exploitation, inequality and untouchability, and advance the welfare of weaker sections and working classes.
• It must serve rural audiences, remote and border regions, and backward or underdeveloped areas, while providing suitable programmes for minorities and tribal communities.
• It must take special steps to protect the interests of children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
• It must pursue comprehensive coverage, appropriate technology, efficient use of available broadcasting frequencies, high-quality reception and research and development in broadcasting technology.