Prasar Bharati strengthens copyright safeguards, launches Creators Corner

NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati has said it actively safeguards the copyright of content produced or commissioned by the public broadcaster, while also keeping a close watch on digital platforms for potential infringements.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs L. Murugan, said the organisation has not recorded any recent instances of copyright violations by media production houses. However, the broadcaster regularly monitors intermediary platforms where individual users may upload content that infringes on its rights.

Prasar Bharati holds the copyright for programmes created in-house or commissioned by it. The broadcaster also noted that no cases of sub-contracting of production work have come to its notice. To prevent such practices, agreements with production companies include clauses that restrict sub-contracting.

Alongside protecting its intellectual property, the public broadcaster is also looking to expand its creative ecosystem. It has launched Creators Corner on Doordarshan as a platform to collaborate with digital creators and widen the reach of public service content.

The initiative aims to bring fresh voices to the broadcaster while spotlighting stories that reflect India’s culture, heritage and socially relevant themes. Content selected under the programme must meet Prasar Bharati’s programme and advertising codes and comply with applicable laws.

To qualify, creators must also demonstrate a reasonable digital reach on at least one major social media platform. Those selected will be remunerated according to duration-based rates set by the broadcaster.

The details were shared in response to a question raised by Tiruchi Siva in the Rajya Sabha.