Mumbai: Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, launched its new over-the-top (OTT) platform, Waves, at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The platform will offer a diverse range of content, including 38 live channels from prominent networks such as B4U, ABZY, SAB Group, and 9X Media, alongside major news channels like India Today, News Nation, Republic, ABP News, News24, and NDTV India. Additionally, all Doordarshan and Akashvani channels will also be available on Waves, providing an inclusive, wide-reaching service for viewers.
Although the platform offers an impressive lineup, some major broadcasters’ channels are notably absent. Reports suggest that four leading TV networks have opted out of streaming their linear channels on the new service, despite the government’s attractive revenue-sharing offer. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had confirmed that part of the platform would be subscription-based, while the rest would remain free for viewers.
Earlier this year, Prasar Bharati invited TV channels to join its new OTT platform, marking a significant expansion of its digital footprint. The platform’s revenue-sharing model offers broadcasters 65% of ad revenue, with the public broadcaster retaining 35%. Despite the major networks’ decision to stay off the platform, Prasar Bharati received applications from 106 channels across different genres, with 44 selected and 40 agreeing to join Waves, as per the reports.
Some of the live channels available on the OTT platforms are: DD India, DD Kisan, DD News, DD Bharati, B4U Bhojpuri, B4U Kadak, B4U Music, GNT, India Today, ABP News, Republic, News Nation, News 24, News18 India, NDTV India, TimesNow Navbharat, TV9, E24, and 9x Music.
