I&B Ministry
FDI in uplinking of TV channels
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
PRESS NOTE: FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) IN UP-LINKING OF TV CHANNELS
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At present, foreign direct investment (FDI) up to 49% is permitted for setting up hardware, Up-linking HUB, etc., subject to compliance with the Broadcasting Laws and Regulations and subject to the detailed guidelines for Up-linking announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting from time to time.
Under the revised guidelines for Up-linking notified on 2.12.2005, the Government has decided to allow FDI in the Up-linking of TV Channels as under:
FDI up to 49% would be permitted with prior approval of the Government for setting up Up-linking HUB/ Teleports; FDI up to 100% would be allowed with prior approval of the Government for Up-linking a Non-News & Current Affairs TV Channel; FDI (including investment by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) up to 26% would be permitted with prior approval of the Government for Up-linking a News & Current Affairs TV Channel subject to the condition that the portfolio investment in the form of FII/ NRI deposits shall not be “persons acting in concert” with FDI investors, as defined in the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997. The Company permitted to uplink the channel shall certify the continued compliance of this requirement through the Company Secretary at the end of each financial year.
While calculating foreign equity of the applicant company, the foreign holding component, if any, in the equity of the Indian shareholder companies of the applicant company will be duly reckoned on pro-rata basis, so as to arrive at the total foreign holding in the applicant company. However, the indirect FII equity in a company as on 31st March of the year would be taken for the purposes of pro-rata reckoning of foreign holdings.
FDI for Up-linking TV Channels will be subject to compliance with the Up-linking Policy of the Government of India notified by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting from time to time.
Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Press Note No. 01 (2006 Series), New Delhi, 17th January, 2006
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.
