India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said on Saturday that famous lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi has been appointed as the head of the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati.
While announcing the appointment, the ministry highlighted Joshi’s “wide-ranging contributions to literature, advertising, film and public communication”.
This comes months after the ministry accepted the resignation of former president Navneet Kumar Sehgal from his post.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnao Joshi congratulated him on his appointment and said he was a “rare creative soul”. Under his “guidance,” Prasar Bharati would discover “renewed energy, deeper purpose and a new creative voice,” Vaishnau added.
In its press release on Joshi’s appointment, the ministry said he has “played an important role in shaping contemporary Indian media narratives” and is known for his “influential writings and deep cultural sensitivity”.
“His body of work includes iconic movie lyrics, advertising campaigns and socially resonant storytelling that connects with diverse audiences across the country,” she added.
Joshi’s tenure as CBFC Chairman
Joshi has also served as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Mumbai since August 2017. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said he strengthened film certification processes during his tenure there, while also engaging with stakeholders across the film industry.
“His tenure at the CBFC reflects a balanced approach towards creative expression and regulatory responsibility,” the ministry statement said. Prior to this, Joshi also served as CEO of McCann Global Group in India, and President of McCann Global Group, Asia Pacific (a subsidiary of McCann Ericsson).
Former Prasar Bharati president Sehgal resigned last year
Former president Navneet Kumar Sehgal, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1988 batch of Uttar Pradesh cadre, resigned last year in December.
He took office on March 16, 2024. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said it had received Sehgal’s notice dated December 2, with the government accepting his resignation in accordance with Section 7(6) of the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990.
While accepting his resignation, the ministry said that Sehgal “has been relieved from the services of Prasar Bharati with immediate effect.” Segal has previously led departments and worked on governance and policy initiatives at the central and state levels, and has over 35 years of experience.
He also served as Principal Secretary for Tourism, SMEs, Information and Energy, where he worked on tourism projects, One District One Product (ODOP) programme, public relations, energy reforms, metro planning and infrastructure projects.
