Govt Frees Up Doordarshan, AIR, PIB Archives for Creators
In a major relief for India’s digital content creators, the Government of India has made the media archives of Doordarshan, All India Radio (Akashvani), and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) freely accessible for public use. This move follows rising concern over copyright strikes issued by private news agency ANI against independent YouTubers and creators.
The announcement aims to democratize access to official government footage, audio, and written material. Creators will now be able to use government-sourced content for videos, social media reels, explainers, and other formats without the fear of takedown notices or copyright penalties.
PBShabd: A Gamechanger for Content Creators
As part of this initiative, Prasar Bharati launched a new platform named PBShabd, which provides creators with round-the-clock access to verified and copyright-free news clips, interviews, documentaries, and audio stories. Content is currently available in 15 Indian languages and across 50 topical categories, from politics to science and history.
All content on PBShabd is explicitly cleared for reuse by creators across digital platforms. The move is intended to enable responsible public-interest journalism, historical storytelling, and informative content creation using authentic and government-approved material.
Akashvani also confirmed that a range of curated audio content—both archival and newly produced—will be accessible for podcasts, educational use, and documentary production, further strengthening India’s digital media ecosystem.
Triggered by ANI’s Dispute With YouTubers
The policy shift was catalyzed by backlash against ANI’s recent actions, where the agency issued copyright strikes against several YouTubers for using brief 9–11 second video excerpts. One of the most high-profile targets, Mohak Mangal, alleged that ANI demanded a license fee or fine to lift the strike—amounting to Rs 18 lakh annually or channel takedown threats if unpaid.
Other creators echoed similar experiences, accusing ANI of exploiting YouTube’s copyright enforcement mechanisms. These strikes disrupted content visibility and, in some cases, put entire channels at risk.
The matter reached the Delhi High Court, which directed that some disputed content be removed but also raised questions about fair use, licensing practices, and the public’s right to access non-sensitive, publicly funded information.
Empowering Creators with Trusted Resources
By freeing up Doordarshan, AIR, and PIB content, the government has provided an alternative to commercial news footage. Creators can now turn to verified, authentic sources without fear of legal intimidation or takedowns, especially when producing content in the public interest or for educational purposes.
The move is being seen as a strategic response to calls for media democratization and transparency. It also reflects the government’s intent to protect smaller creators from exploitative licensing practices while promoting India’s public broadcasting legacy in the digital era.
