Prasar Bharati CEO selected, anouncement later

NEW DELHI: A high-level committee meeting under vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat late this evening is understood to have finalised the name of the chief executive of Prasar Bharati.

As information and broadcasting minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi is out of the country, the name is unlikely to be announced until his return.

The post of chief executive has been lying vacant since 30 June this year, when K S Sarma retired after serving his term of six years.

The post was held on a temporary basis first by Doordarshan director general Navin Kumar until his retirement and then by All India Radio DG Brijeshwar Singh.

Under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act 1990, the selection of the chief executive has to be made by a high-level committee comprising the chairman of the Rajya Sabha (who is the Vice-President), Press Council of India chairman (Justice G N Ray), and a nominee of the president. It is understood that S K Arora who is secretary in the I&B ministry was the third member on the committee.

The chief executive normally has a term of six years and functions under the Prasar Bharati Board which is headed by a chairman.