While it has emphatically called for Prasar Bharti to fulfil the role of a public broadcaster, it also said there is a need for the Board to become financially self-reliant in the coming years. It has also said that AIR should be converted into a competitive network with complete digitalisation and freedom to run purely commercial FM channels if it so wishes.

Prasar Bharti is saddled with a cumulative deficit of Rs 5540.22 crore and is, on the other hand, desperately in need of substantial funds to upgrade its technology and keep pace with the highly competitive broadcasting sector.

The Committee noted that the proposed Capital Restructuring Plan for Prasar Bharti merits serious consideration of the Government and all attempts towards revenue generation need to be studied.