Doordarshan, Akashvani being strengthened with Rs 2539.61 crore investment: Centre
New Delhi, Dec 18: The government is taking sustained measures to strengthen the functioning and expand the audience reach of public broadcasters Doordarshan and Akashvani, with an investment of Rs 2539.61 crore under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme (2021-26).
The Lok Sabha was informed that to enhance content quality and diversity, a simplified Content Sourcing Policy was introduced in 2024, enabling wider participation and faster acquisition of programmes.
New shows are being launched on a regular basis, with Regional and State Centres engaging local artists to produce content in regional languages.
Artist and Casual Assignee rates have also been revised to attract better talent and support quality programming across Doordarshan’s 66 Programme Production Centres.
Doordarshan continues to provide live coverage of major national events to ensure wider public outreach, including the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, WAVES 2025 in Mumbai and ISRO satellite launches.
On the technology front, several DD channels are now being telecast in High Definition, while the broadcaster’s digital presence has been strengthened through the launch of the OTT platform “WAVES”.
Doordarshan and other channels have been integrated on WAVES, the Online News ONAIR mobile app and other digital platforms.
Akashvani has also launched new audio-visual podcast series such as “The Akashvani Podcast” and “Akashvani Originals”.
Structural reforms at Akashvani include clearly defined roles for Cluster Heads and Heads of Offices, with a renewed focus on revenue generation, content improvement and market outreach. Alternative modes of broadcasting, including apps, OTT platforms and social media, are being leveraged alongside cross-channel publicity and coordinated marketing efforts.
The government is also modernising Prasar Bharati under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme (2021-26), with an outlay of Rs 2539.61 crore.
The scheme focuses on digitalisation, replacement of legacy systems, studio and transmitter upgrades, coverage expansion and adoption of new technologies. Additional steps to boost revenue include improved client engagement, revenue-oriented content planning, multi-platform promotion and integrated advertising strategies.
During 2022-25, Akashvani and Doordarshan together generated Rs 587.78 crore from the non-government advertisement segment.
The information was shared by 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 by MP Parshottambhai Rupala.
