PB-SHABD is expanding access to verified multimedia news content for media organisations across India. The free news feed service, operated by Prasar Bharati, provides ready-to-use news material in text, video, audio, photographs and infographics. Free access to the platform has been extended until March 2027, allowing around 3,600 registered media organisations to use its services.

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What is PB-SHABD?

PB-SHABD stands for Prasar Bharati – Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination. It is a digital news service created to help media organisations access reliable and ready-to-use news content from across the country.

The platform was launched by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 13 March 2024 in New Delhi. Since its launch, it has been designed to make news distribution easier for newspapers, television channels, radio stations, magazines, journals and digital publishers.

The service provides content from different parts of India, helping media organisations cover national, regional and local developments without having to create every piece of multimedia material themselves.

Free Access Extended Until March 2027

A major feature of the current expansion is the continuation of free access to PB-SHABD. The service is available to around 3,600 registered media organisations until March 2027.

The extension is expected to help smaller and regional media organisations access a wider range of verified news material. By making multimedia content available through a common platform, PB-SHABD supports faster news production and distribution.

The service is particularly useful for media organisations that need news material in different formats for television, radio, websites, newspapers and other digital platforms.

News Content in Multiple Formats

PB-SHABD offers news content in several formats. These include text, video, audio, photographs and infographics. This allows registered media organisations to select content according to their publishing or broadcasting needs.

The platform provides content in 15 Indian languages, making it useful for media organisations serving audiences in different parts of the country. Its coverage extends to nearly 50 news categories, including national, regional and local developments.

This multilingual approach can also help regional media organisations access news material that is more suitable for their local audiences.

More Than 1,000 News Stories Every Day

PB-SHABD has a large content network supporting its daily news service. The platform supplies more than 1,000 news stories every day.

Its reporting network includes more than 1,500 reporters, correspondents and stringers working across different locations. This network helps the service gather information and news developments from various regions.

PB-SHABD also operates 60 dedicated 24×7 edit desks. These desks support the processing and distribution of news content throughout the day.

The combination of reporters, correspondents, stringers and editing teams allows the platform to provide a continuous flow of news for registered media organisations.

Logo-Free Content for Registered Media

Another important feature of PB-SHABD is that the content provided through the platform is logo-free. Registered media organisations can use the available material without requiring a separate credit.

This makes the service convenient for organisations that need to quickly publish or broadcast news content. It can also reduce the time required to prepare multimedia material for different news platforms.

For media houses working across websites, social media, television, radio and print, access to different formats from one platform can make the news production process easier.

Live Feed for Major Events

PB-SHABD also provides a live feed facility for important national events. This includes events of national importance, investiture ceremonies and press briefings.

The live feed allows registered media organisations to access updates as important events take place. This can be useful for news organisations that need timely visual or multimedia material for ongoing coverage.

The service is designed to support the changing needs of modern newsrooms, where audiences expect information to be available quickly across multiple platforms.

Archival Library for News Material

Along with live content, PB-SHABD provides an archival library. The archive stores news material that can be used later for reference and reporting.

An organised archive can help media organisations find previously published material when preparing reports, background stories or follow-up coverage. It also gives users access to a wider collection of news resources through the platform.

The combination of live feeds and archival content gives PB-SHABD both current and reference-based news functions.

Supporting Different Types of Media

PB-SHABD is available to a wide range of registered media organisations. Newspapers, magazines and journals can use the service for print and digital news production. Television channels can access video and photographic content, while radio stations can make use of audio and text-based material.

Digital publishers can also use the available multimedia resources for their online news platforms.

The service therefore brings different types of media organisations under one digital content network. Its availability in 15 Indian languages also supports news distribution beyond English and Hindi-speaking audiences.

Registration and Digital Access

Media organisations can register for free through the official PB-SHABD portal. The service is intended for registered newspapers, magazines, journals, television channels, radio stations and digital publishers.

The platform’s free registration model allows eligible media organisations to access its news resources without a subscription fee during the current access period. With free access extended until March 2027, registered users can continue using the service for their regular news operations.

Role of Prasar Bharati

PB-SHABD is operated by Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster. Prasar Bharati operates major public broadcasting services including All India Radio and Doordarshan.

Through PB-SHABD, the organisation is providing a digital system that connects news content with media organisations across the country. The platform brings together reporting, editing, multimedia production, live feeds and archival resources in one service.

As India’s media environment becomes increasingly digital and multilingual, services such as PB-SHABD are being used to make news content more accessible to different types of media organisations.