India’s media and broadcasting sector is entering a new phase after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced a major leadership reshuffle involving Prasoon Joshi and Shashi Shekhar Vempati. The changes have sparked discussion across television, film, radio, and digital media platforms.

Prasoon Joshi has been appointed chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcasting corporation, while former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati will now lead the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The appointments are being viewed as a strategic transition at a time when India’s media ecosystem is rapidly shifting toward digital consumption and platform-based content.

Prasoon Joshi Takes Charge Of India’s Public Broadcaster

Prasoon Joshi is widely recognised for his work in advertising, film writing, and public communication. Over the years, he has built a strong presence in India’s creative industry through songwriting, screenwriting, and brand campaigns. He also served as chairman of the CBFC, where he oversaw film certification during a period of rapid growth in digital entertainment.

His appointment to Prasar Bharati places a creative industry figure at the center of India’s public broadcasting transformation. Prasar Bharati oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio, both of which are expanding their digital reach through streaming, mobile access, and multilingual programming.

Media experts believe Joshi’s communication background could help strengthen audience engagement as public broadcasters compete with private television networks and global streaming platforms.

Shashi Shekhar Vempati Moves To CBFC

At the same time, Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been appointed chairman of the CBFC. Vempati previously served as CEO of Prasar Bharati between 2017 and 2022, where he led several digital modernization initiatives across public broadcasting platforms.

An IIT Bombay alumnus and Padma Shri awardee, Vempati is also associated with technology and artificial intelligence initiatives focused on public communication and governance.

Media Sector Faces Digital Transition

The reshuffle comes as India’s entertainment and broadcasting sectors continue adapting to digital distribution, changing audience behavior, and growing online content consumption. Analysts say the appointments could influence the future direction of both public broadcasting and film regulation in India.