• The Union Cabinet, during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked with Radio Televisyen Malaysia on November 7.

The pact has immense potential to strengthen cooperation in the fields of broadcasting, exchange of news and audio-visual programmes, and augmenting ties with Malaysia.

• Prasar Bharati has now inked such pacts with 46 countries.

• These MoUs are going to be crucial in distribution of content in other countries, in developing partnerships with international broadcasters and exploring new strategies to address the demands of new technologies.

• The major benefit arising out of signing of MoUs are exchange of programmes in the areas of culture, education, science, technology, sports, news and other fields on gratis/non-gratis basis.

Prasar Bharati

• The Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) is the public service broadcaster in the country, with All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan as its two constituents.

• It came into existence on November 23, 1997, with a mandate to organise and conduct public broadcasting services to inform, educate and entertain the public and to ensure a balanced development of broadcasting in the country.

• The Corporation is governed by the Prasar Bharati Board. 

Prasar Bharati Board

• The Board is headed by a chairperson and has three whole time members. The board has six part-time members, a representative of the ministry of information & broadcasting and the director generals of All India Radio and Doordarshan as ex-officio members.

• The Prasar Bharati Board functions at the apex level ensuring the formulation and implementation of the policies of the organization and fulfillment of the mandate in terms of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990. 

Objectives of Prasar Bharati:

• To uphold the unity, integrity of the country and the values enshrined in the Constitution.

• To promote national integration.

• To safeguard the citizens’ rights to be informed on all matters of public interest by presenting a fair and balanced flow of information.

• To pay special attention to the fields of education and spread of literacy, agriculture, rural development environment, health & family welfare and science & technology.

• To create awareness about women’s issues and take special steps to protect the interests of children, aged and other vulnerable sections of the society.

• To provide adequate coverage to the diverse cultures, sports & games and the youth affairs.

• To promote social justice, safeguarding the rights of working classes, minorities and tribal communities.

• To promote research and expand broadcasting facilities and development in broadcasting technologies.

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