Prasar Bharati's autonomy questioned as key safeguards stay unbuilt

The brief in 6 cards

1. Note1 / 6

   WHY IN NEWS?

   • An opinion piece in The Hindu argues that Prasar Bharati functions more like a government broadcaster than a public service broadcaster.
   • It says key provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990 remain unimplemented.
   • It cites the broadcast of a recent episode of the Prime Minister's radio programme to question the line between public service and government communication.
   • Prasar Bharati runs All India Radio and Doordarshan.
2. Note2 / 6

   HOW WE GOT HERE

   • 1948: Jawaharlal Nehru spoke of a broadcaster on the BBC model, free from day-to-day government control.
   • 1975–77: During the Emergency, AIR and Doordarshan were used to project the government's view.
   • 1977–78: The B.G. Verghese working group recommended an autonomous corporation.
   • 1990: Parliament passed the Prasar Bharati Act.
   • 1997: The Act came into force, creating the corporation.
3. Note3 / 6

   KEY CONCEPTS

   1. What does the Prasar Bharati Act require?

   It sets up an autonomous corporation to inform and educate the public. It must give objective and balanced information, including contrasting views.

   2. Which safeguards remain unbuilt, according to the article?

   The Act provides for a Parliamentary Committee to oversee the corporation and a Broadcasting Council to hear complaints. The writer says neither has been constituted.

   3. What did the Supreme Court say about airwaves?

   In Secretary, Ministry of I&B v. Cricket Association of Bengal (1995), the Court held that airwaves are public property. They must be used for the public good and to ensure plural views.

   4. How is broadcasting linked to Article 19(1)(a)?

   Free speech includes citizens' right to receive diverse information. A broadcaster serving the public must reflect that diversity.

4. Note4 / 6

   THE CONCERNS

   These points are the article's argument.

   • Weak oversight: Without the Parliamentary Committee, legislative scrutiny is limited.
   • No independent grievance body: Without the Broadcasting Council, complaints have no external forum.
   • Government powers: The Act lets the Union government issue binding directions in some situations.
   • Financial dependence: Reliance on government grants can create leverage over content.
   • Staffing: The writer says engineering staff far outnumber content staff.
5. Note5 / 6

   WHY PUBLIC BROADCASTING STILL MATTERS

   • Reach: AIR reaches remote areas where private media does not.
   • Disasters: It is vital for warnings during floods and cyclones.
   • Diversity: It carries regional and tribal languages, including in the North East.
   • Democracy: Balanced coverage helps citizens judge competing views, especially during elections.
6. Note6 / 6

   WAY FORWARD

   These are the article's suggestions, not adopted policy.

   • Implement the Act: Constitute the Parliamentary Committee and an independent complaints body.
   • Secure funding that is predictable and audited, without editorial strings.
   • Protect appointments through merit-based, pluralistic selection and secure tenure.
   • Publish data on complaints, political coverage and corrections.
   • Learn from the BBC model, adapted to India's diversity.

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