What is PB-SHABD?

In March 2024, Prasar Bharati launched PB-SHABD. This initiative provides a shared audio-visual feed service. It offers logo-free daily news across multiple formats. Media organisations can access video, audio, text, and photos. The service remains free until March 2026, benefiting smaller media outlets.

Extensive Network for Comprehensive Coverage

PB-SHABD operates through a vast network. It comprises over 1500 reporters, correspondents, and stringers. Sixty dedicated edit desks work around the clock. This ensures timely news from every corner of India. Daily, more than 1000 stories are uploaded. These stories cover over 50 categories, including agriculture, technology, and political developments. Content is available in all major Indian languages.

Key Features of PB-SHABD

The main feature of PB-SHABD is its logo-free content. Media organisations do not need to credit the source when using this material. The platform also provides a Live Feed feature. This feature covers live events of national importance and press briefings. All content remains logo-free. Additionally, PB-SHABD includes a Media Repository. This archival library allows subscribers to access past footage easily. Special curated packages, interviews, and daily weather updates are regularly updated. This ensures that media outlets have readily available content, saving them time.

Signing Up for PB-SHABD

Media organisations can easily sign up for PB-SHABD. They need to visit the official website at shabd.prasarbharati.org. The registration process involves simple steps. Following this, organisations gain access to a wealth of resources.

Social Media Presence

PB-SHABD maintains an active presence on social media. Updates are available on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. This helps keep media organisations informed about new content and features.

Impact on Media Landscape

The introduction of PB-SHABD marks shift in India’s media landscape. It provides equal opportunities for smaller media outlets. The free access to diverse content promotes inclusivity in news dissemination. This initiative enhances the overall quality of journalism in India.

Future Prospects

As PB-SHABD continues to evolve, it is expected to expand its offerings. Future enhancements may include more interactive features and additional content categories. The service aims to remain a vital resource for media organisations across India.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the role of technology in enhancing media accessibility in contemporary society.
2. Discuss the significance of logo-free content in promoting independent journalism.
3. Critically discuss the impact of digital media on traditional news reporting methods.
4. Analyse the challenges faced by smaller media organisations in the digital age and suggest possible solutions.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the role of technology in enhancing media accessibility in contemporary society.

1. Technology enables instant access to information through various platforms like websites and apps.
2. Social media facilitates the rapid dissemination of news, reaching a wider audience quickly.
3. Tools like PB-SHABD provide free, logo-free content, making resources available to all media outlets.
4. Digital archives and repositories enhance access to historical content and diverse formats.
5. Technological advancements encourage interactive features, engaging audiences and improving user experience.

2. Discuss the significance of logo-free content in promoting independent journalism.

1. Logo-free content allows media outlets to use information without brand constraints, promoting unbiased reporting.
2. This practice encourages smaller organizations to compete effectively with larger media houses.
3. It encourages creativity and innovation in journalism as outlets can present news in their unique style.
4. Eliminating credit requirements simplifies content sharing and collaboration among media entities.
5. Logo-free content enhances the accessibility of diverse viewpoints, enriching public discourse.

3. Critically discuss the impact of digital media on traditional news reporting methods.

1. Digital media accelerates news delivery, often outpacing traditional reporting timelines.
2. It has shifted audience consumption habits, favoring bite-sized, multimedia content over long-form articles.
3. Traditional news outlets face competition from online platforms, leading to a decline in print readership.
4. Digital tools enable data journalism and interactive storytelling, enhancing audience engagement.
5. However, it also presents challenges like misinformation and the need for fact-checking in real-time.

4. Analyse the challenges faced by smaller media organisations in the digital age and suggest possible solutions.

1. Smaller media organizations struggle with limited resources and funding compared to larger competitors.
2. They often lack access to advanced technology and tools necessary for modern reporting.
3. Building a loyal audience in a saturated market can be difficult without a strong online presence.
4. Solutions include leveraging platforms like PB-SHABD for free content and collaborating with other outlets.
5. Investing in digital marketing and community engagement can enhance visibility and audience connection.