"We are not closing down any of our units, including Song and Drama Division and Directorate of Field Publicity, but are reducing their strength to some extent as all units are necessary," Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy told the Economic Editors' Conference.
The ERC had a few years back suggested winding up of several media units, including S&DD, Photo Division and DFP, and drastic reduction in the staff of the ministry as part of downsizing.
Reddy, who has been a votary of autonomy to Prasar Bharati, said there was a need to decide the ways and means to make the public broadcaster independent like the BBC, which is funded through an annual cess on colour TV owners.
The Minister said Prasar Bharati which against Rs 600 crore (Rs 6 billion) revenues from All India Radio and Doordarshan, had an expenditure of Rs 1,800 crore (Rs 18 billion) was currently meeting the shortfall through government grants and loans.
He also emphasised the need for Prasar Bharati to look at the quality of its programming, saying the public broadcaster could not completely overlook the entertainment aspect also.
