The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist and communications professional Prasoon Joshi as Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster.
Joshi, known for his work across literature, advertising, cinema and public communication, brings with him decades of experience in shaping narratives that resonate across diverse audiences. His contributions span film lyrics, major advertising campaigns and storytelling rooted in Indian cultural sensibilities.
Congratulating him on the appointment, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “My heartfelt congratulations to Shri Prasoon Joshi ji on his appointment as Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board. Prasoon ji is a rare creative spirit celebrated across the world in advertising, literature, art and cinema, yet his heart beats unmistakably for India. His words carry the fragrance of our soil, and his vision reflects the timeless essence of our culture. Under his stewardship, Prasar Bharati will discover renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a fresh creative voice. My very best wishes to him for a memorable and meaningful tenure ahead.”
Before taking on this role, Joshi served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since August 2017, where he was involved in navigating the balance between creative freedom and regulatory oversight in the film industry. His tenure saw engagement with multiple stakeholders while attempting to streamline certification processes.
He has also held leadership roles in the advertising industry, including CEO of McCann World Group India and Chairman for Asia Pacific operations. Additionally, he has been a Trustee at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts since 2016.
His appointment comes at a time when public broadcasting in India is undergoing rapid technological shifts and facing changing audience expectations. With a background that blends creativity and communication strategy, Joshi is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the organisation.
About Prasar Bharati
Established under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990 and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati functions as India’s statutory autonomous public broadcaster.
It operates through two key arms:
- All India Radio (AIR), one of the world’s largest radio networks with extensive reach across urban and rural regions in multiple languages
- Doordarshan (DD), the country’s public television network offering news, education and entertainment programming
The organisation has also expanded into digital broadcasting with its Waves OTT platform, aiming to strengthen free-to-air content access.
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