In a landmark move on 30 May 2025, the Indian government announced that content from Doordarshan, All India Radio (AIR), and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) is now freely available for digital content creators. This follows a high-profile copyright dispute involving ANI and several independent YouTubers.
The new policy allows creators to use news footage, audio, visuals, and written stories from these public broadcasters without copyright concerns, aiming to foster transparency, support independent voices, and provide a credible alternative to ANI’s syndicated material.
Government Opens Public Media Archives for Free Use
Prasar Bharati, the parent body of Doordarshan and AIR, has made a vast archive of content accessible to the public, spanning over 50 categories and 15 languages. This includes rare historical visuals, documentaries, explainers, and news clips, which are now available through the PBShabd platform.
According to Prasar Bharati, more than 1,000 stories are uploaded daily, covering topics from agriculture and technology to foreign affairs and social issues. A spokesperson for Prasar Bharati said, “We are committed to supporting independent voices and ensuring that factual information reaches the public without barriers.”
The government’s official social media handles, including those of Doordarshan National and Akashvani, have actively promoted this initiative, encouraging digital creators to utilise these resources for their projects.
The PIB’s official release further clarified that the content can be used on YouTube, podcasts, blogs, and other digital platforms, provided it is not misrepresented or used for unlawful purposes.
Background: ANI Copyright Row and Push for Media Openness
The government’s decision comes in the wake of a significant controversy involving news agency ANI and several prominent YouTubers, such as Mohak Mangal and Rajat Pawar. ANI had issued multiple copyright strikes against these creators for using short clips from its news coverage, often demanding high licensing fees or threatening channel takedowns.
This led to widespread criticism from the digital creator community, who argued that such actions stifled independent journalism and public discourse. The dispute escalated to the Delhi High Court, which recently ordered the removal of allegedly defamatory content about ANI from YouTube.
In response, public broadcasters have taken a contrasting approach, positioning themselves as transparent and creator-friendly by opening up their archives for free use. This move is widely seen as a step towards empowering independent media, promoting factual reporting, and reducing dependence on private news syndicates.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian welcomes this bold and progressive step by the government, which has the potential to transform India’s digital media landscape. By removing copyright barriers and providing open access to credible, government-verified information, public broadcasters are fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and democratic information ecosystem.
This initiative not only empowers content creators but also ensures that the public has access to authentic and diverse perspectives. As we celebrate this move towards openness and dialogue, we must also reflect on the responsibilities that come with such freedom. How can creators, audiences, and policymakers work together to ensure that this newfound access is used to promote truth, harmony, and informed public discourse—rather than misinformation or polarisation?
