I&B Ministry
MIB categorises all non-Hindi and non-Eng TV channels as regional
MUMBAI: In its latest order, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has sought to clear some of the confusion around its recent order on processing fees that broadcasters will have to bear in the event of a change in satellite or channel name, among other things.
In an order released today, the ministry has sought to define what a regional channel is. According to it, any channel which is not in Hindi or English will be considered as being regional in nature. Moreover, spiritual and yoga channels will fall under the purview of this definition when it comes to calculating fees that they have to pay the MIB.
On 13th December, the MIB had issued an order that sharply increased the processing fee for TV channels in supersession of an order dated 1 January 2009. Under the revision, national channels will now have to cough up Rs 100,000 while regional ones will shell out Rs 50,000 as processing fee for any change, including change of satellite, channel name/logo, language of channel, category of channel, mode of transmission, teleport, teleport location, and category of channel from general entertainment channel to news channel for temporary uplinking of a live event.
The order had introduced two new categories for channels—regional and national—which had caused confusion in broadcasters’ minds. According to the television uplinking and downlinking guidelines, there are only two categories of channels—news and current affairs and non-news and current affairs channels.
While the order has clarified what a regional channel is, the definition of a national channel remains to be seen. Until today, there was no clarification on which channels will be treated as regional.
Also Read: Trai paper seeks to streamline uplinking, downlinking norms
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.
