Panel for pvt investment, effective freedom for Prasar Bharati

Wanting Prasar Bharati to be a global player, a government-appointed committee has recommended private investment besides "effective" freedom to the public broadcaster with administrative and financial powers.
The slew of recommendations made by the committee, headed by technocrat Sam Pitroda, also included restructuring of the Prasar Bharati and complete transfer of ownership and management of the assets and HR to it.
"Create a world-class broadcasting service benchmarked with the best in the world, using next generation opportunities, technologies, business models and strategies," said the report which was presented to Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari today.
"Outline an effective content strategy for Prasar Bharati's global platforms (TV and Radio) focussed on projecting the national view rather than the narrow official viewpoint," the committee recommended.

In this context, it suggested a professional study to develop a funding mechanism for Prasar Bharati to address the need for autonomy with financial accountability.
Such funding model, the panel said, should include private investment besides government funding and internal resource mobilisation.

It also suggested involvement of the private sector "to expand the broadcasting market" with a view to effectively utilise infrastructure being created by Prasar Bharati.
It recommended "amending the Prasar Bharati Act 1990 where necessary so as to impart genuine and effective autonomy to the organisation."
Tewari said his ministry would "seriously, studiously and diligently" examine the recommendations.