Creative Powerhouse Prasoon Joshi Appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati

NEW DELHI — In a major move to infuse creative vitality into India’s public service broadcasting, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has appointed renowned lyricist and communication expert Prasoon Joshi as the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati.

The appointment, announced on Saturday, marks a significant shift for the statutory autonomous body, which oversees Doordarshan and Akashvani (All India Radio).

A “Rare Creative Spirit”: Minister’s Endorsement

Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded the appointment, emphasizing Joshi’s deep-rooted connection with Indian sensibilities.

“Prasoon ji is a rare creative spirit celebrated across the world in advertising, literature, art and cinema, yet his heart beats unmistakably for India,” Minister Vaishnaw stated. “His words carry the fragrance of our soil, and his vision reflects the timeless essence of our culture.”

The Minister expressed confidence that under Joshi’s stewardship, Prasar Bharati would discover “renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a fresh creative voice.”

Transition from CBFC to Prasar Bharati

Joshi brings a wealth of administrative and creative experience to the role:

• CBFC Tenure: He has served as the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since August 2017, where he was noted for balancing creative freedom with regulatory responsibilities.
• Corporate Leadership: Before his government roles, he was the CEO of McCann World Group India and Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific.
• Cultural Footprint: A National Award-winning lyricist, he is the voice behind some of India’s most iconic social campaigns and film soundtracks.

Filling the Five-Month Vacancy

The position of Chairman had been lying vacant since December 2025, following the resignation of former IAS officer Navneet Kumar Sehgal. Sehgal had stepped down approximately 20 months into his three-year tenure, leaving a leadership gap at a time when the broadcaster is navigating a massive digital transformation.

What Lies Ahead for Prasar Bharati?

As Chairman, Joshi is expected to spearhead several key initiatives:

• Modernization: Navigating the shift toward digital-first content to compete with private streaming giants.
• Content Strategy: Leveraging his storytelling expertise to enhance the “creative voice” of Doordarshan and AIR.
• Global Reach: Strengthening the international presence of India’s public broadcaster.