I&B Ministry
‘Mann Ki Baat’ earned Rs 4.78 cr; live streaming & app duds
MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio address Mann ki Baat has reportedly got mega bucks for the All India Radio (AIR). Apart from getting millions of listeners, the programme, according to the information and broadcasting ministry, has fetched a gross revenue of over Rs 4.78 crore through advertisements.
Prasar Bharati has informed that, as far as AIR is concerned, only the radio broadcast of Mann ki Baat is monetised and other platforms such as live streaming or app-based service are not, said the minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore.
Overall, the AIR registered a revenue growth in 2015-16 of Rs 447.76 crore from Rs 435.1 crore in 2014-15. Mann Ki Baat has also been visually adapted for telecast on Doordarshan channels.
AIR, owned by the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, so far aired 26 episodes of Mann Ki Baat. The show was launched in October 2014 and the broadcaster started monetising it by December. It is reported that AIR generates close to Rs 1 crore from Mann Ki Baat.
According to a report in Livemint, the broadcaster has designated a total of seven minutes (five minutes before the show and two minutes after the show) for commercial revenue from Mann Ki Baat. It also airs self-promotional advertisements in those seven minutes.
The report suggests that AIR charges an ad rate of Rs 2 lakh per 10 seconds of advertising for the PM’s radio address.
I&B Ministry
Akashvani opens airwaves to creative talents with fresh programme proposals
India’s public broadcaster invites creators to pitch new audio content for 2026
NEW DELHI: India’s iconic public service broadcaster, Akashvani, is tuning into a new frequency of creativity. In a move to spruce up its audio offerings, Prasar Bharati has officially invited independent producers, production houses, and content creators to pitch fresh programme proposals for the national network.
The Notice Inviting Programme Proposals (NIPP) aims to diversify the broadcaster’s “programme bouquet” by sourcing high-quality, innovative audio content from external experts. Whether you are a storyteller or a music maestro, the airwaves are officially open for business.
Akashvani is looking for a variety of audio flavours to keep listeners hooked. The wish list includes:
Radio dramas and plays: Engaging series that bring stories to life.
Audio features: Documentaries and innovative audio formats.
Digital-first content: Podcasts and modern storytelling series.
Music and knowledge: Classical, folk, and light music, alongside quiz competitions.
The programmes, which can be in Hindi, English, or various regional languages , must be delivered in “bite-sized” episodes of either 14 or 28 minutes.
Creators can choose from three distinct partnership models:
Revenue sharing mode (RSM): A collaborative approach where production costs are borne by the creator, and advertising revenue is split. If the producer handles the marketing, they keep a 70% share; if Akashvani takes the lead, the producer receives 65%.
Sponsored mode: Perfect for those with their own brand backing. Producers pay a fee and receive free commercial time to promote their sponsors.
Gratis mode: For creators looking to reach a massive audience without financial exchange.
Don’t reach for the microphone just yet. All proposals will be grilled by an Evaluation Committee based on a strict 100 point scoring matrix. Judges will be looking at creative treatment, script quality, sound design, and the “commercial potential” of the idea. Only those scoring 75 marks or higher will make the cut.
Once an agreement is signed with the Prasar Bharati head of programme , successful applicants must maintain a healthy “episode bank” to ensure the show goes on without a hitch.
Hopefuls have until 31 May 2026 to submit their ideas. Proposals should be sent via email to the respective Nodal Office or Cluster Head. All content must strictly adhere to the AIR Broadcast Code and the Commercial Advertising Code of All India Radio.
This initiative marks a significant step for Prasar Bharati as it seeks to blend traditional broadcasting with modern, regional, and innovative audio trends. For those with a story to tell or a song to share, it is time to give the public a reason to listen.
