The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed noted lyricist, writer, and advertising veteran Prasoon Joshi as the new Chairman of Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster. His appointment is being seen as a significant leadership move aimed at bringing fresh creative direction to the country’s broadcasting landscape.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the decision, describing Joshi as a rare creative force whose work reflects India’s cultural depth and contemporary spirit. He said Joshi’s leadership would bring “renewed energy, deeper purpose, and a fresh creative voice” to Prasar Bharati.
Joshi is widely recognised for his contributions across literature, cinema, advertising, and public communication. Over the years, he has shaped some of India’s most memorable advertising campaigns and written acclaimed lyrics for numerous films. His ability to blend creativity with cultural relevance has made him one of India’s most respected communication professionals.
Before this appointment, Joshi served as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since 2017, where he played an important role in strengthening certification processes while balancing creative freedom with regulatory responsibilities.
He also held major leadership positions in advertising, including CEO of McCann Worldgroup India and Chairman of McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, where he led transformative campaigns and expanded the agency’s creative footprint.
In addition, Joshi has been a trustee of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts since 2016, further strengthening his association with India’s cultural and creative institutions.
His appointment comes at a crucial time as Prasar Bharati adapts to changing media consumption patterns, digital transformation, and evolving audience expectations. With his extensive creative and strategic experience, Joshi is expected to play a key role in shaping the broadcaster’s next phase of growth and relevance.
