Prasar Bharati launches its OTT platform Waves

The platform features a lineup of 38 live channels, including entertainment networks

by e4m Staff
Published: Nov 20, 2024 6:02 PM | 2 min read

Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster, today unveiled its new OTT platform, Waves, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

The platform features a lineup of 38 live channels, including entertainment networks like B4U, ABZY, SAB Group, and 9X Media, alongside major news channels such as India Today, News Nation, Republic, ABP News, News24, and NDTV India. It also offers all Doordarshan and Akashvani channels, according to sources. However, some prominent broadcasters' channels are currently absent from the service.

Earlier, the MIB had confirmed that a small part of the platform will be subscription-based and the rest will be free for viewing.

In August, Prasar Bharati invited TV channels to join its new OTT platform.

The move represented an important expansion of its digital footprint, aiming to broaden its reach and offer a revenue-sharing model that stands out in the market.

Under this model, broadcasters would receive 65% of ad revenue, while Prasar Bharati would retain 35%.

The major four television networks have chosen not to stream their linear channels on Prasar Bharati’s upcoming OTT platform, sources had shared with e4m back in September.

Despite the government's offer of a lucrative revenue-sharing model, these networks likely made this decision because they already have a strong presence on their own OTT platforms.

While these top networks did not apply, sources familiar with the matter told e4m that the pubcaster received applications from 106 channels across genres. Out of these, 44 were selected, with 40 agreeing to join the platform.

Here's some of the live channels available on the platform:

DD India

DD Kisan

DD News

DD Bharati

B4U Bhojpuri

B4U Kadak

B4U Music

GNT

India Today

ABP News

Republic