India’s media policy priorities are undergoing a visible shift, with the broadcast sector losing its long-held dominance in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s (MIB) budget allocation.

Recent budget trends signal a growing focus on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC), reflecting the government’s intent to align with new-age digital and creative industries.

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Broadcast Sector Sees Reduced Budget Share

The traditional broadcasting segment, once the cornerstone of MIB’s financial planning, is witnessing a consistent decline in the share of allocations.

This includes funding for public broadcasters such as Prasar Bharati, which operates Doordarshan and All India Radio. While average spending may not have dropped sharply, the share of the overall MIB budget has decreased.

The situation indicates a strategic rebalancing rather than a withdrawal of support. The government appears to be moving away from legacy media structures toward areas that promise higher growth and global competitiveness.

Industry experts view this shift as one in which television viewership patterns are changing, with digital platforms capturing a larger share of audience and advertising revenue. The broadcast sector continues to shrink and face pressure from OTT platforms & digital-first content ecosystems.

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AVGC Sector Gains Strategic Importance

In contrast, the AVGC sector is growing, benefiting from policy attention and funding. The government has identified animation, VFX, gaming and comics as high-potential areas capable of generating employment, exports and innovation.

Policy initiatives under MIB are supporting the development of skills and infrastructure. This also includes incentives for AVGC startups and studios. This aligns with India’s broader ambition to position itself as a global centre for digital content creation.

The focus on AVGC is also related to the rise of immersive technologies, gaming ecosystems and global demand for animated and VFX-heavy content.

The sector has seen strong private investment and is viewed as a future-ready industry compared to traditional broadcasting.

Experts suggest that this budgetary shift is not abrupt but part of a gradual transition. The government is recalibrating its media strategy to reflect consumption trends, technological advancements and economic potential.