Context:
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting launched the Prasar Bharti – Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD), a news-sharing service from Prasar Bharati, aimed at transforming news dissemination in India.
Relevance:
GS II: Government policies and Interventions
PB-SHABD: Empowering Small News Organizations
- PB-SHABD emerges as a centralized news content platform catering to smaller news organizations lacking extensive networks.
- It aims to bridge the gap by offering diverse news stories in major Indian languages across fifty categories.
Key Features:
- Free Service: SHABD service is initially offered free for the first year, providing access to news content without financial barriers.
- Multilingual Content: News stories are available in major Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for diverse audiences.
- Wide Coverage: With content spanning fifty categories, PB-SHABD offers a comprehensive range of news topics, catering to varied interests.
Minister’s Emphasis:
- The minister highlighted the revamped platforms for Doordarshan News and Akashvani News, along with the updated News on the Air mobile app.
- These platforms play a crucial role in democratizing access to news and fostering collaboration within the media industry, aligning with the government’s vision of inclusive information dissemination.
Prasar Bharati:
- Prasar Bharati is India’s largest public broadcasting agency, operating autonomously under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1997.
- Its primary objective is to provide autonomy to Doordarshan and Akashvani, aiming to educate and entertain the public through diverse programming.
-Source: The Hindu, PIB
