Prasar Bharati shifts to streaming-minutes payout model for WAVES

As per the policy, Streaming Minutes refer to the actual duration of content viewed by users. This excludes buffering time, auto-play, idle playback, background play, or any system-generated activity

by e4m Staff
Published: May 1, 2026 9:07 AM | 2 min read

Prasar Bharati has launched a new Pay-Per-View (PPV) content sourcing policy for its WAVES OTT platform, transitioning from a view-based payout model to a streaming-minutes based payout model, effective immediately.
The revised policy, approved by the Prasar Bharati Board, allows content proposals submitted under the previous pilot framework to migrate to the new structure.
Payouts will be calculated monthly based on actual streaming minutes, with a structured payout sequence that includes base calculations and multipliers for rights and territories.
All content must undergo technical quality checks and legal vetting, with strict penalties for fraudulent practices; a committee will oversee the policy's performance and effectiveness.

Prasar Bharati has introduced a Pay-Per-View content sourcing policy for its WAVES OTT platform. The new framework incorporates transition from a view-based payout mechanism to a streaming-minutes based payout model.

“With the approval of the Prasar Bharati Board in its 194th meeting held on 27.03.2026, Prasar Bharati hereby notifies the revised framework titled 'Prasar Bharati Pay-Per-View (PPV) Content Sourcing Policy, 2026', incorporating transition from a validated view-based payout mechanism to a streaming-minutes based payout model, aligned with actual user consumption and prevailing industry practices,” stated a notification from Prasar Bharati.

The revised framework will form part of the existing Content Sourcing Policy, 2024. These policy guidelines will apply to the WAVES OTT platform with immediate effect.

According to the notice, the content proposals onboarded or submitted under the PPV Content Sourcing Policy Pilot Framework 2025-26 shall be given a one-time option to migrate to the revised policy framework.

The payout sequence follows a structured order. It begins with the base payout calculation, followed by a post-initial adjustment. After this, multipliers are applied sequentially—starting with Primary Rights, then Territory, and finally Platform.

Definition and Measurement of Streaming Minutes
Streaming Minutes refer to the actual duration of content viewed by users. This excludes buffering time, auto-play, idle playback, background play, or any system-generated activity. Measurement is carried out exclusively by the WAVES Analytics System, which serves as the sole authoritative source.

Calculation and Reconciliation
Payouts are calculated on a monthly basis, factoring in accrued streaming minutes, applicable base rates, multipliers, and adjustments. Monthly performance reports are shared with content providers to ensure transparency and reconciliation.

Licensing and Rights
The minimum license period is set at one year. The rights granted include digital streaming, public exhibition, and promotional usage. In addition, linear rights allow content to be broadcast on Doordarshan channels and DTH platforms such as DD Free Dish, without any limit on the number of telecasts and without additional payment.

Financial Structure
At present, the platform operates without a consumer paywall and follows a platform-funded model. However, Prasar Bharati retains the option to introduce consumer pay-based models in the future.

Quality Control and Legal Compliance
All content is subject to mandatory technical quality checks, rights verification, and legal vetting. Any fraudulent practices, such as the inflation of performance metrics, will lead to suspension of payouts and removal of content.

Monitoring and Evaluation
A committee constituted by the CEO of Prasar Bharati will periodically review overall performance, financial outcomes, and the effectiveness of the policy.