Following a copyright dispute involving news agency Asian News International (ANI) and several YouTube creators, India’s top public broadcasters and government media bodies have made a vast range of their content freely or cheaply accessible. Agencies such as Prasar Bharati, Akashvani (All India Radio), Doordarshan National, and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) are now providing their archives for public use on social media platforms including YouTube.
Press Trust of India Leads with Affordable Content Access
The Press Trust of India (PTI) had earlier started a similar initiative, offering reasonably priced video content for creators to use across digital platforms. This move supports content creators by easing copyright concerns and enabling the reuse of credible material.
PBSHABD Platform Empowers Content Creators
Prasar Bharati’s digital platform, PBShabd (@PBShabd), invites YouTubers, podcasters, and video editors to register and access a library of free, copyright-free news clips, audio, stories, and visuals. This platform operates 24/7 and provides reliable, authentic media assets that are safe for use without legal restrictions.
Diverse Content Available Across Languages and Formats
Akashvani announced that creators can now use shorts, explainers, and documentaries spanning 50 categories and 15 languages at no cost. Prasar Bharati highlighted the availability of rare visuals, historic footage, and trustworthy data, reiterating their commitment to offering these resources copyright-free.
PIB and Doordarshan Support Open Access
The Press Information Bureau and Doordarshan National have also encouraged media professionals and independent creators to take advantage of these extensive archives. They emphasize that the content is fully cleared for copyright, promoting creative freedom and wider dissemination of credible information.
Context: ANI Copyright Dispute with YouTubers
This initiative follows an ongoing controversy where ANI issued copyright strikes against content creators like Mohak Mangal and Rajat Pawar, who used brief clips from ANI footage in their videos covering sensitive topics such as the Kolkata rape case and Operation Sindoor. Mangal and others alleged that ANI demanded licensing fees or penalties in exchange for lifting copyright strikes, leading to legal action.
Legal Developments and Court Orders
ANI filed a defamation suit against Mohak Mangal, accusing him of spreading misinformation. The Delhi High Court instructed Mangal to remove specific content claimed to be defamatory. This case highlights the challenges creators face regarding copyright enforcement by media agencies.
The public broadcasters’ move to offer free, copyright-cleared content provides creators a reliable alternative source for authentic media assets. This step fosters a more open creative environment while addressing issues arising from copyright disputes in digital content sharing.
