Who is Prasoon Joshi? The New Chairman of India's Public Broadcaster Prasar Bharati!

Prasoon Joshi Takes the Helm at Prasar Bharati

New Delhi: Prasoon Joshi, a prominent lyricist, writer, and communications specialist, has been appointed as the chairman of Prasar Bharati, which serves as India's public service broadcaster.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting confirmed Joshi's appointment in an official announcement made on Saturday.

Renowned for his contributions across various fields including literature, advertising, cinema, and public communication, Joshi has significantly influenced modern Indian media narratives, as highlighted in the statement.

His extensive portfolio includes celebrated film lyrics, impactful advertising campaigns, and storytelling that resonates with a wide array of audiences throughout the nation.

Upon his appointment, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his heartfelt congratulations, stating, "Prasoon Joshi is a unique creative talent recognized globally in advertising, literature, art, and cinema, yet his passion for India is unmistakable."

Vaishnaw emphasized that Joshi's words embody the essence of India's culture and that his vision will bring a renewed sense of purpose and creativity to Prasar Bharati.

"I wish him a fulfilling and impactful tenure ahead," the minister added.

Prior to this role, Joshi served as the chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai since August 2017.

During his time at CBFC, he worked to enhance film certification processes while collaborating with various stakeholders in the film industry, balancing creative expression with regulatory duties.

Previously, he held the position of CEO at McCann World Group India and was the Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of McCann Erickson. Additionally, he has been a Trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts since 2016.

With his vast experience in creative sectors and public communication, Joshi is anticipated to offer a distinctive viewpoint to Prasar Bharati's leadership, especially as public broadcasting faces rapid technological changes and shifting audience demands.

Prasar Bharati was established under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act in 1990 and has been operational since 1997. It is India's statutory autonomous public service broadcaster.

The organization consists of two primary divisions: All India Radio (AIR), one of the largest radio networks globally, serving millions across urban and rural India in various languages and dialects, and Doordarshan (DD), the national television broadcaster of India, which provides a diverse array of programming including news, education, entertainment, and cultural content.