India strengthens its information presence in BRICS through TV BRICS

The Republic of India will take a more active part in shaping the consolidated information agenda of BRICS. The group of Indian partners of the TV BRICS International Media Network has been joined by Prasar Bharati, a leading state broadcasting corporation. The media have agreed to supply each other with high-quality content, assist in disseminating objective information on the activities of the BRICS group, and create and promote interstate projects in the fields of mass communications, education, science, and culture.

TV BRICS and Prasar Bharati exchanged cooperation documents during the state visit of President of Russia Vladimir Putin to India.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with TV BRICS represents a significant step in strengthening India's media engagement within the BRICS framework – a key platform for South-South cooperation among emerging economies. This partnership aligns perfectly with India's commitment to multilateral cooperation and provides a unique platform for sharing our national narrative with audiences across BRICS nations. Through this collaboration, Doordarshan and Akashvani will exchange news content, analytical materials, and diverse programming, including infotainment and cultural content, fostering greater understanding among BRICS member countries. We are also providing TV BRICS access to our PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) news wire service – a dedicated platform that delivers authentic audio-visual content, enabling seamless sharing of India's stories, developments, and perspectives across the BRICS media landscape. Our commitment to exchange journalists and media professionals will build capacity and share best practices across our organisations. This MoU exemplifies how Prasar Bharati's Global Outreach initiatives are creating strategic media partnerships that amplify India's voice in important multilateral forums while strengthening people-to-people connections within the BRICS family of nations,” said Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati.

Prasar Bharati, India’s largest public broadcasting corporation, operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Republic of India. It includes the Doordarshan television network, the Akashvani radio network, the DTH service DD Free Dish, the OTT platform WAVES, and the PB-SHABD news information service. It adheres to national and international socio-economic agendas, including those in sustainable development, technology, healthcare, education, science, culture, and sport. Prasar Bharati’s broadcasting infrastructure covers 98 per cent of the country’s population.

Janna Tolstikova, CEO of TV BRICS, noted that the network of media partners in BRICS member and partner countries is steadily expanding, which reflects the dynamic development of the group and the strengthening of humanitarian and business ties between states.

"While building media cooperation between countries, TV BRICS adheres to diplomatic principles. Only under such conditions is it possible to form an objective BRICS+ agenda and effectively promote it in the global information space. Only by respecting partners and demonstrating trust can an open multilateral dialogue with media outlets from different regions of the world be maintained. We welcome the development of cooperation with India, which was among the founding members of BRICS. The Prasar Bharati broadcasting corporation will undoubtedly contribute a wealth of interesting and exclusive information to the consolidated agenda, which will strengthen India’s authority on the international stage and support the development of cultural, humanitarian, and economic ties with foreign countries"

Janna Tolstikova CEO of TV BRICS

Among the BRICS members and partner countries engaged in information exchange with TV BRICS are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Belarus, Bolivia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Thailand.

In addition to Prasar Bharati, several other major media organisations in India cooperate with the media network, including TV channels, news agencies and periodicals: ANI, IANS, Trinity Mirror, TV9, and Malai Murasu. TV BRICS is also partnered in the country by two universities, several industry associations and international film festivals.

Photo: andrei_r / iStock