Prasar Bharati CEO to also handle Rajya Sabha TV

New Delhi: In a move that is being seen as an attempt by the government to consolidate its broadcasting assets, Shashi Shekhar Vempati, the CEO of Prasar Bharati, was on Friday given the additional charge of CEO Rajya Sabha Television. 

Sources stated that the appointment may eventually lead to merger of television channels, like RSTV and Lok Sabha TV, operational outside the ambit of India’s public service broadcaster Prasar Bharati into its fold. 

Vempati replaced GS Sappal as the CEO of RSTV, who had resigned from the post, last month, following a change in regime at the helm. His resignation has been accepted and the additional charge allocated to Vempati, sources added. 

According to sources, the appointment of Vempati is likely to help government ensure better synergy between different broadcasting assets in the country. It was felt by the government that the RSTV and LSTV, operating independently of established control and norms, needed to be in tune with the present times. RSTV and LSTV operate under the rules and regulations of the respective Houses and are out of the ambit of government regulations on broadcasting. 

Over the past few months there have been allegations of misappropriation of funds and high handedness in the operations of the RSTV. It is understood that Vempati is expected to look into these allegations and also institute an inquiry if a need was felt, added sources. The channel’s operations were also under fire for a much higher budget than its counterpart, the LSTV.