The Centre on Wednesday said it had not received any grievances or formal representations concerning the editorial autonomy or functioning of public broadcasters from journalists, employees or media bodies over the past year.
Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L. Murugan, said that while no complaints were received on editorial autonomy or functioning, seven complaints related to appointments were submitted by applicants during the period.
The government also said editorial matters at Prasar Bharati are regularly reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and senior editorial teams. Where required, guidance and corrective measures are taken to improve the quality, accuracy, balance and presentation of news in accordance with Prasar Bharati’s editorial policies and the Programme Code.
According to the reply, viewer complaints and feedback, including those relating to editorial content, are forwarded to the concerned editorial teams for action under the organisation’s established procedures.
The Centre said the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) scheme, approved for 2021-26 to modernise and upgrade Prasar Bharati’s broadcasting infrastructure, has been extended until March 31, 2027.
Highlighting the reach of public broadcasting services, the government said Akashvani covers nearly 98 per cent of the country’s population and around 90 per cent of its geographical area. It also said DD Free Dish is available across the country without subscription charges.
The government also noted that Prasar Bharati regularly reviews viewership data, audience feedback and social media analytics to improve the quality, content and presentation of its news as part of its editorial process.
