With no permanent replacement for outgoing Prasar Bharati acting CEO R.R. Shah being located even as his term expires, the Indian government has decided to continue with him for the next six months or until his replacement was found. There was speculation within television circles that Shah's days were numbered as the government had put vice-president Krishna Kant in charge of a hunt for the chairman of the Prasar Bharati and the CEO and other board members.

Shah's term came to an end on 31 December but with the extension being given to him, he can breathe easy for the next six months. He holds the rank of special secretary in the information and broadcasting ministry.

Shah's term will now close in mid-2001 which will coincide with Discovery India's managing director Kiran Karnik deadline from the company. Despite a denial from I&B minister Sushma Swaraj on Karnik's candidature one may still see him at the helm of affairs of the Prasar Bharati.