The PB-SHABD platform of Prasar Bharati has received an extension of free access for media organisations until March 2027.
The move aims to strengthen the availability of verified, authentic, and accessible news content across India’s media ecosystem and promote wider participation of regional and national media outlets.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Platform | PB-SHABD |
| Full Form | Prasar Bharati – Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination |
| Launched | March 2024 |
| Organisation | Prasar Bharati |
| Free Access Extended Till | March 2027 |
| Objective | Dissemination of verified, logo-free news content |
Purpose of PB-SHABD Platform
- Acts as a centralised digital news distribution system
- Provides:
- Broadcast-ready news content
- Logo-free material (no watermark/branding removal required)
- Enables:
- Faster news dissemination
- Ease of use for media organisations
- Encourages: Participation of regional and small media outlets
Key Features
Multi-format News Content
| Format | Details |
| Video | Ready-to-broadcast clips |
| Audio | News bulletins |
| Text | Written reports |
| Photos | Visual news content |
- Allows: Adaptability across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms
Content Volume and Coverage
- 1000+ news stories uploaded daily
- Coverage includes:
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Governance
- Foreign affairs
- Political developments
- Provides: Continuous and updated news flow
Multilingual Coverage
- Available in 15 Indian languages:
- Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi
- Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi
- Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Dogri, Urdu
- Ensures:
- Wider accessibility
- Inclusion of regional audiences
Nationwide Reporting Network
| Component | Details |
| Reporters/Correspondents | 1500+ |
| Editing Desks | ~60 |
| Sources | Regional News Units (RNUs) + Headquarters (New Delhi) |
- Ensures:
- Regionally diverse content
- Continuous verification and quality control
Live Event Broadcasting
- Provides real-time coverage of:
- Government programmes
- Press briefings
- National ceremonies
- Investiture events
- Features: Logo-free live feeds
- Benefits:
- Easy integration into broadcasts
- Reduced operational cost for media houses
Significance of Free Access Extension
- Promotes: Wider adoption among media organisations
- Strengthens: Credibility of news dissemination
- Enhances: Access to authentic and verified information
- Supports: Digital transformation of public broadcasting
Role in Strengthening Public Information
- Ensures: Reliable and verified news flow
- Reduces: Spread of misinformation
- Encourages: Transparency in public communication
- Bridges: Gap between government information and public access
About Prasar Bharati
| Aspect | Details |
| Type | Statutory autonomous body |
| Established | 1997 (Operationalisation) |
| Act | Prasar Bharati Act, 1990 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting |
| Role | Public service broadcasting |
Components of Prasar Bharati
- Doordarshan (DD) – Television broadcasting
- All India Radio (AIR) – Radio broadcasting
Static Facts
Doordarshan
- Started in 1959
- One of the largest TV networks in India
All India Radio (AIR)
- Established in 1936
- One of the oldest radio networks in Asia
Public Broadcasting in India
- Objective:
- Inform
- Educate
- Entertain
- Key feature: Non-commercial, public interest focus
Digital Platforms of Prasar Bharati
- PB-SHABD – News distribution platform
- WAVES OTT – Digital streaming platform
- Provide: Access to content in multiple languages
Regional News Units (RNUs)
- Located across states
- Provide: Local and regional news inputs
- Strengthen: Grassroots-level reporting