Govt. Launches PB-SHABD: Platform Offers Free, Copyright-Free Content for Creators, Amid ANI dispute (Image courtesy Financial Express)

The government initiative comes following copyright disputes between ANI and Youtube content creators

Government Launches PB-SHABD: A Gamechanger Platform Offering Free, Copyright-Free Content for Creators amid ANI copy rights disputes

New Delhi, May 2025 — In a move aimed at empowering digital content creators and media organizations, India’s leading public broadcasters and government media agencies have come together to promote PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati – Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) — a platform offering free, 24/7, and copyright-safe media assets.

The government initiative comes following copyright disputes between ANI and Youtube content creators, positioning PB-SHABD as a vital resource to promote content freedom and legal safety for the booming creator community.

Shared via their official X accounts, Doordarshan, All India Radio (Akashvani), and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) have invited YouTubers, podcasters, video editors, and media houses to register on PB-SHABD and access a vast repository of news clips, audio, visuals, and written stories without worrying about copyright strikes or attribution.

“With @PBShabd, creators can now set aside copyright concerns and access… free 24/7 news clips, audio materials, written stories and visuals” that are “fully copyright-free and authorized for use,” Doordarshan tweeted.

“PBShabd offers a dependable, always-available source of clear, accessible content allowing creators and media organisations to easily share, create and develop content without restrictions or additional costs,” it added.

PB-SHABD as stated in the posts by the agencies, provides more than 1,000 daily news stories covering over 50 categories — including agriculture, technology, foreign affairs, and politics — sourced from a robust network of over 1,500 reporters and 60 dedicated edit desks. Content is available in 15 Indian languages and is completely logo-free and safe to use without attribution.

All India Radio emphasized the platform’s role in offering “free, authentic, and safe-to-use content” with “no paywall and no risk,” inviting creators to leverage the government-backed media archives for their projects.

The Press Information Bureau highlighted PB-SHABD as unlocking ‘rare visuals, historic footage, and trustworthy data all available’ at no cost for creators across the country.

Creators and media organizations can register for free access at https://shabd.prasarbharati.org/register .

What is PB-SHABD?

PB-SHABD is a comprehensive news feed service launched by Prasar Bharati, designed to provide Indian news organizations with daily, reliable news from across the country. The platform delivers news in multiple Indian languages, available in various formats including video, audio, text, photos, and infographics.

Users can conveniently access and download news content through the official website.

Who can register for PB-SHABD?

Print Media: Any newspaper, magazine, or journal holding a valid RNI (Registrar of Newspapers for India) certificate.
Broadcast Media: News television and radio channels with valid uplink and downlink certificates.

Digital Publishers: Digital media outlets can register by submitting a copy of the publisher's PAN card.

The registration process requires only basic details such as the publication’s title and contact information of key personnel. The service is completely free of cost, promoting widespread access to authentic and copyright-safe news content.

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