Government outlines steps to improve Doordarshan and Akashvani

The Government of India has outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening the functioning, content quality and audience reach of public broadcasters Doordarshan and Akashvani amid increasing competition in the broadcasting sector.

According to information shared in the Lok Sabha, steps have been taken to improve programme diversity and production efficiency through the introduction of a simplified Content Sourcing Policy in 2024. The policy is intended to enable wider participation and faster acquisition of programmes. Regional and State Centres have also been engaging local artists to produce content in regional languages, while Artist and Casual Assignee rates have been revised to attract better talent across Doordarshan’s 66 Programme Production Centres.

The government said live coverage of major national events continues to be a key focus for public outreach. Recent broadcasts have included Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, WAVES 2025 in Mumbai and satellite launches by the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Technological upgrades are also underway, including the telecast of several Doordarshan channels in High Definition and the expansion of digital platforms through the launch of the OTT service WAVES. Doordarshan channels and other services have been integrated on the WAVES OTT platform and the Online NewsONAIR mobile application. Akashvani has additionally introduced audio-visual podcast series titled “The Akashvani Podcast” and “Akashvani Originals”.

Structural reforms have been implemented at Akashvani, with defined roles for Cluster Heads and Heads of Offices, alongside a focus on revenue generation, content improvement and market outreach. Alternative modes of broadcasting, including mobile applications, OTT platforms and social media, are being utilised, supported by coordinated marketing and cross-channel publicity.

Modernisation of Prasar Bharati is being carried out under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme for the period 2021 to 2026, with an outlay of Rs 2,539.61 crore. The scheme focuses on digitalisation, replacement of legacy systems, studio and transmitter upgrades, expansion of coverage and adoption of new technologies.

Additional measures to enhance revenue include improved client engagement, revenue-oriented content planning, multi-platform promotion and integrated advertising strategies. The government informed the House that Akashvani and Doordarshan together generated Rs 587.78 crore from non-government advertisements during the period from 2022 to 2025.

The information was provided by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L. Murugan, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2025, in response to a question raised by Parshottambhai Rupala.

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