Doordarshan, Akashvani and PIB open archives to creators amid ANI copyright row

Akashvani, in a post on X, shared that creators can access explainers, shorts, and documentaries across 50 categories in 15 languages—at no charge

by e4m Staff
Published: May 30, 2025 12:13 PM | 2 min read

As ANI faces heat over copyright strikes and high licensing fees, public broadcasters are stepping in with an alternative approach—one rooted in accessibility and creator support.

After the Press Trust of India (PTI) announced “affordable access” to its video library for YouTubers and social media creators, Prasar Bharati arms like Doordarshan, Akashvani and even the Press Information Bureau (PIB) have gone a step further, offering verified content completely free of cost.

Akashvani, in a post on X, shared that creators can access explainers, shorts, and documentaries across 50 categories in 15 languages—at no charge. Prasar Bharati highlighted access to “rare visuals, historic clips, and reliable data” under a copyright-free model meant to encourage responsible reuse. Doordarshan added that creators can “set aside copyright concerns” and use content from a platform designed for “24/7 free access.”

https://x.com/AkashvaniAIR/status/1928065125769937185

Discover rare visuals, historic footage, and trustworthy data—all available free for creators

?Unlock India’s most extensive media archive at @PBSHABD

For more details, visit: https://t.co/n06zR5E4tf #CreatorsWithShabd https://t.co/oPyR8xLv3G
— PIB India (@PIB_India) May 29, 2025

PIB amplified the message, calling the move a step towards empowering digital storytelling without legal hurdles. Prasar Bharati’s content repository, PBShabd, has also been pitched as a go-to source for verified, easily shareable content.

This coordinated push for openness comes amid a storm over ANI’s alleged misuse of YouTube’s copyright system. Several creators, including Mohak Mangal, have accused ANI of issuing takedown strikes and demanding exorbitant fees to restore content, sparking a debate over fair use and the ethics of digital news licensing.

With the government’s own broadcasters now offering content with zero copyright baggage, the message is clear: creators don’t need to be locked out of quality content—or pay a premium for it.