Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw yesterday launched three key initiatives — including a national AI skilling programme and in-built satellite tuner-enabled television systems for the pubcaster’s DTH service — aimed at strengthening India’s media ecosystem, expanding digital content creation and improving access to public broadcasting.

The initiatives, according to an official government statement yesterday, involve AI skilling programme in partnership with Google and YouTube to train about 15,000 youth from the creative and media sectors, rollout of MyWAVES on the WAVES OTT platform (pubcaster Prasar Bharati’s streaming service) for user-generated content, and introduction of advanced electronic programme guide (EPG) along with in-built satellite tuners in television sets to enable direct access to DD FreeDish services without set-top boxes.

Highlighting the broader vision, Vaishnaw, according to the statement, said the initiatives reflect the government’s push to democratise technology and make it more affordable and accessible. He noted that the introduction of in-built satellite tuners and advanced programme guides would allow citizens to access television content easily without additional equipment, reducing cost and complexity for households.

Speaking on the MyWAVES platform, the Minister described it as a powerful tool for content creators that will enable citizens to create, upload and share content, thereby strengthening India’s digital ecosystem. He linked the initiative to the government’s focus on promoting the ‘Orange Economy’ and supporting the creative sector, as outlined in the Union Budget.

On the AI skilling initiative, Vaishnaw said around 15,000 youth would be trained free of cost, equipping creators, students and media professionals with future-ready capabilities in areas such as animation, visual effects, gaming and media technology. He emphasised that the programme would help build a skilled workforce aligned with emerging technological demands.

The AI-related programme, to be rolled out in two phases beginning immediately, leverages established global learning platforms, combining certification-based coursework with hands-on exposure to AI tools and frameworks, thereby aiming to create a skilled workforce aligned with evolving technological demands.

The release underlined that large-scale participation and successful completion of the foundational phase would be key to enabling learners to advance further, signalling a strong emphasis on both scale and quality in the skilling effort.

The Minister also referred to the growing popularity of the ‘Creators’ Corner’ initiative, noting that some content had already received over three million views. He urged creators across the country to leverage platforms such as Doordarshan and MyWAVES to showcase India’s culture, traditions and regional diversity, and contribute to a more inclusive media landscape.

According to the release, the three initiatives together aim to build capabilities through AI skilling, expand opportunities via digital content platforms like MyWAVES, and ensure wider access to quality broadcasting through DD FreeDish enhancements, forming a comprehensive push towards a stronger and more inclusive media and entertainment ecosystem.