New Delhi: In a significant move to formalize ownership of legacy content, Prasar Bharati has issued a public call inviting producers, directors, actors, and artists to authenticate their rights over 255 archived telefilms, documentaries, dramas, and series previously aired on Doordarshan. This comes in light of missing contractual records for these iconic programmes.
In a circular dated June 25, 2025, India’s public broadcaster disclosed that essential contract documents related to these productions are untraceable. While the default assumption is that the intellectual property rights (IPR) rest with Doordarshan/Prasar Bharati, the organization has opted to give stakeholders an opportunity to present their claims to ensure transparency and legal clarity.
Stakeholders who were involved in the production or telecast of these programmes are required to submit claims supported by verifiable documents. These must include the name of the programme, number of episodes, creative team details, statement of claim, and nature of association. The deadline for submission is 45 days from the date of the public notice.
“These programmes are an invaluable part of India’s cultural and artistic legacy, having featured legends such as Ustad Vilayat Khan, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Jayant Narlikar, Bimal Roy, Raj Kapoor, and Shyam Benegal, among many others,” the statement highlighted.
All claims are to be submitted to the Director, Central Archives, Prasar Bharati. The broadcaster clarified that only claims received within the stipulated time will be considered. Late submissions will be rejected without exception.
Prasar Bharati has assured that all claims will be examined for authenticity and bona fides before a final decision on ownership is made. Should no legitimate claim be filed for any listed programme within the designated timeframe, Prasar Bharati will assume complete ownership of the IPRs. This would empower the broadcaster to freely air the content on linear television, digital platforms, or syndicate it to other networks.
This initiative marks a strategic effort by Prasar Bharati to consolidate and possibly monetize its rich media archive while safeguarding public broadcasting heritage through legal rectitude.
