PB SHABD Platform Expansion Strengthens Public Media Access

Extension of Free Access

PB SHABD Platform Expansion Strengthens Public Media Access: The PB-SHABD platform of Prasar Bharati has received an extension of free access for media organisations until March 2027. This decision aims to strengthen the availability of verified and authentic news content across India’s media ecosystem.

The platform was initially launched in March 2024 as a digital system to share broadcast-ready news material with media houses. By extending free access, the government intends to encourage greater participation of regional and national media outlets.

Static GK fact: Prasar Bharati is India’s autonomous public service broadcaster established under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, and it became operational in 1997.

Purpose of the PB SHABD Platform

The PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) platform acts as a centralised digital news distribution system. It allows media organisations to access ready-to-use news stories in multiple formats without mandatory source credit.

The content shared on the platform is logo-free, which means broadcasters and publishers can directly use the material without removing watermarks or branding. This feature simplifies the process for newsrooms and enhances the speed of news dissemination.

Multi Format News Content

The PB-SHABD platform provides news content in several formats including video clips, audio bulletins, written reports and photographs. This multi-format approach enables newspapers, television channels, radio networks and digital platforms to easily adapt the material to their needs.

The platform publishes more than 1000 news stories daily, ensuring continuous updates for media houses. These stories cover various sectors such as agriculture, governance, technology, foreign affairs and political developments.

Static GK Tip: India has one of the largest public broadcasting networks in the world through Doordarshan and All India Radio, both managed by Prasar Bharati.

Nationwide Network of Journalists

A major strength of the PB-SHABD platform is its extensive nationwide reporting network. Over 1500 reporters and correspondents contribute news from different regions of India.

In addition, around 60 editing desks operate continuously to verify and process incoming reports. This infrastructure allows the platform to maintain a consistent flow of reliable and regionally diverse news content.

The news stories originate from Regional News Units (RNUs) as well as the Prasar Bharati headquarters in New Delhi. This ensures coverage of both national and local developments across the country.

Live Event Broadcasting

Apart from recorded content, the PB-SHABD platform also provides live event coverage. Media organisations can access real-time broadcast feeds of important national events and government programmes.

These live feeds include press briefings, national ceremonies, official government events and investiture ceremonies. Since the feeds are logo-free, broadcasters can integrate them directly into their programming without additional editing.

This feature enhances the reach of official events and public information while reducing operational costs for smaller media organisations.

Static GK fact: Doordarshan began television broadcasting in 1959, while All India Radio (AIR) started operations in 1936, making them among the oldest public broadcasting networks in Asia.

Role in Strengthening Public Information

The PB-SHABD platform represents a major step toward digital transformation in public broadcasting. By providing verified and accessible news content, it supports the credibility of information flow across India’s diverse media landscape.

The extension of free access until 2027 is expected to expand the platform’s adoption among media organisations and strengthen transparent and reliable news dissemination across the country.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

PB SHABD Platform Expansion Strengthens Public Media Access: