Prasar Bharati Launches 'Waves': India's New Comprehensive OTT Platform with 65+ Channels and More
November 20, 2024The initiative is a collaboration between Prasar Bharati and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, officially launched by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster, has launched its new OTT platform, Waves, designed to deliver a diverse array of entertainment and news content.
Waves offers over 65 live channels, movies, interactive games, live events, and even online shopping capabilities, making it a comprehensive digital entertainment hub.
In addition to live streaming, Waves integrates archival materials from Prasar Bharati's publications and photo division, enriching its content library.
Sehgal emphasized that Waves aims to reach all sections of society with a mix of news, games, and cultural programming.
Overall, Waves seeks to reshape India's digital entertainment landscape by offering tailored viewing experiences that cater to diverse genres and regional preferences.
The platform collaborates with various government ministries to develop meaningful content, including documentaries and entertainment programs that convey significant messages.
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, has indicated plans to gradually expand programming to include content in all Indian languages.
Waves caters to younger audiences with popular animated shows like 'Chota Bheem' and engaging games such as 'Krishna Jump' and 'Fruit Chef'.
The platform also features notable Doordarshan classics, including 'Byomkesh Bakshi' and 'Fauji', although some iconic shows like 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharata' are not included.
Initially, the streaming service will operate on an ad-supported model, with plans to introduce premium subscription options in the future.
Waves employs a revenue-sharing model that allocates 65% of ad revenue to broadcasters, encouraging more content creators to join the platform.
Summary based on 25 sources
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Sources
Variety • Nov 20, 2024
India's Public Broadcaster Unveils Waves Streaming PlatformTimes Of India • Nov 21, 2024
Prasar Bharati unveils Waves OTT platform for family-friendly contentEconomic Times • Nov 21, 2024
Prasar Bharti unveils free OTT app 'Waves' with 40 live channels, archives & live events including US Prem