Apart from a new chairman after a gap of nearly three years, there are some more new faces on the Prasar Bharati board.

Three new part-time members have been appointed - former vice-chancellor of Jamia Milia Islamia, M A Zaki, journalist Vidya Niwas Mishra and retired bureaucrat S Kashi Pandiyan. Prof U R Rao, former head of the Indian Space Research Organisation, took over as chairman late last week.

Anil Baijal, additional secretary in the ministry of information and broadcasting, continues to enjoy the support of minister Sushma Swaraj, evident from the six-month extension he has been granted. He continues to hold additional charge of the post of executive member, Prasar Bharati board. His extension order is applicable for six months from August 14, 2001, or until further orders, according to an official press release.