Introduction
The Prasoon Joshi appointment marks a significant leadership transition in India’s public broadcasting ecosystem, as the Government of India has appointed Prasoon Joshi as Chairman of Prasar Bharati. Announced on May 2, 2026, the move reflects a broader focus on creativity, innovation, and digital transformation within India’s media landscape.
A creative leader for public broadcasting
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting confirmed the appointment, highlighting Prasoon Joshi’s extensive experience across advertising, literature, cinema, and storytelling.
As Chairman, he is expected to guide Prasar Bharati through a transformative phase where traditional broadcasting increasingly intersects with digital media and OTT platforms.
Ashwini Vaishnaw also described Joshi as a “rare creative spirit” and expressed confidence in his ability to bring renewed purpose and fresh creative direction to the organization.
Journey of Prasoon Joshi
Prasoon Joshi is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential creative professionals, with contributions spanning advertising, film, literature, and media leadership.
Key highlights of his career include:
- Former Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since 2017
- Former CEO of McCann Worldgroup India and Chairman of its Asia Pacific division
- Trustee at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
- Renowned lyricist known for impactful storytelling and culturally rooted creative work
His strong understanding of Indian culture and communication is expected to play an important role in shaping the future direction of public broadcasting.
About Prasar Bharati
Established under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990 and operational since 1997, Prasar Bharati is India’s statutory autonomous public service broadcaster.
Its major divisions include:
- All India Radio — one of the world’s largest radio broadcasting networks
- Doordarshan — offering news, entertainment, educational, and cultural programming across India
The organization has also launched the Waves OTT platform as part of its digital broadcasting expansion strategy.
Driving digital and creative transformation
Prasoon Joshi’s appointment comes at a time when public broadcasters globally are adapting to evolving digital consumption patterns.
His leadership is expected to support:
- Creative modernization of public broadcasting
- Expansion of digital and OTT initiatives
- Stronger cultural storytelling and audience engagement
- Innovation across media and communication platforms
The move reflects India’s broader effort to modernize public media institutions for the digital era.
Conclusion
The Prasoon Joshi appointment as Chairman of Prasar Bharati signals a new phase for India’s public broadcasting ecosystem. With extensive experience across advertising, cinema, and creative leadership, he is well-positioned to guide the organization through digital transformation and evolving audience expectations.
