Prasoon Joshi appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati Board
Synopsis
The Centre has appointed celebrated lyricist and former CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi as Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster. The move brings one of India's most recognised creative voices to the helm of Doordarshan and All India Radio at a time when public broadcasters are under pressure to reinvent themselves for digital audiences.
Key Takeaways
Prasoon Joshi has been appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati by the Centre, announced on Saturday, 3 May 2025 .
Joshi previously served as Chairperson of the CBFC since August 2017 , known for balancing creative freedom with regulatory responsibility.
He also served as CEO of McCann World Group India and Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific .
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called Joshi a "rare creative spirit" celebrated globally in advertising, literature, art, and cinema.
Prasar Bharati , established under the 1990 Act and operational since 1997 , oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio.
The Centre on Saturday, 3 May 2025, appointed noted lyricist, writer, and communications expert Prasoon Joshi as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India's statutory public service broadcaster. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which described Joshi as a distinguished creative professional with wide-ranging contributions across literature, advertising, cinema, and public communication.
Who Is Prasoon Joshi
Joshi is widely recognised for his acclaimed film lyrics, advertising campaigns, and socially resonant storytelling that connects with diverse audiences across India. His career spans decades of creative work that has shaped contemporary Indian media narratives, earning him recognition in advertising, literature, art, and cinema both domestically and internationally.
Prior to this appointment, Joshi served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Mumbai, since August 2017, where he contributed to strengthening film certification processes and engaged with stakeholders across the film industry. His tenure at the CBFC was noted for a balanced approach towards creative expression and regulatory responsibility.
What the Government Said
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the appointment, describing Joshi as a rare creative spirit. "My heartfelt congratulations to Prasoon Joshi on his appointment as Chairman of the Prasar Bharati Board. Prasoon is a rare creative spirit celebrated across the world in advertising, literature, art and cinema, yet his heart beats unmistakably for India," said Vaishnaw.
The minister added: "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."
Joshi's Professional Background
Before his public service roles, Joshi served as CEO of McCann World Group India and Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of McCann Erickson, giving him deep expertise in large-scale communications and institutional leadership. He has also been a Trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts since 2016, underscoring his long-standing commitment to the preservation and promotion of Indian cultural heritage.
About Prasar Bharati
Established under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati is India's statutory autonomous public service broadcaster. It oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), two of the country's most far-reaching media networks. Joshi's appointment signals a creative reorientation for the broadcaster as it navigates an increasingly competitive digital media landscape.
What Comes Next
With Joshi at the helm, observers will watch whether Prasar Bharati accelerates its digital outreach and content modernisation efforts. His background in both creative storytelling and institutional governance positions him to bridge the gap between public broadcasting's legacy mandate and its evolving audience expectations.
Point of View
Not just its infrastructure one. Doordarshan and AIR have long struggled to compete with private and digital players on audience engagement. The real question is whether Joshi's creative mandate will come with the institutional autonomy and funding to match — without which even the best creative vision stalls at the bureaucratic gate. His CBFC tenure was largely controversy-free, but Prasar Bharati is a far larger and more politically scrutinised stage.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Prasoon Joshi and why has he been appointed to Prasar Bharati?
Prasoon Joshi is a renowned Indian lyricist, writer, and communications expert known for acclaimed film lyrics and advertising campaigns. He has been appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster, by the Centre, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting citing his distinguished contributions across literature, cinema, and public communication.
What is Prasar Bharati and what does its Chairman do?
Prasar Bharati is India's statutory autonomous public service broadcaster, established under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, and operational since 1997. It oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio, and its Chairman leads the board responsible for the organisation's strategic and editorial direction.
What was Prasoon Joshi's previous government role?
Prasoon Joshi served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai from August 2017, where he worked on strengthening film certification processes and engaging with the film industry.
What has Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said about the appointment?
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated Joshi, calling him a 'rare creative spirit celebrated across the world in advertising, literature, art and cinema' and expressed confidence that under his stewardship, Prasar Bharati would find renewed energy and a fresh creative voice.
What is Prasoon Joshi's background in the corporate world?
Before his public service roles, Joshi served as CEO of McCann World Group India and Chairman of McCann World Group Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of McCann Erickson, giving him extensive experience in large-scale institutional and communications leadership.
