Prasar Bharati Launches OTT Platform ‘Waves’

Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, has launched its own OTT platform ‘Waves’ at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). With a diverse content library, it aims to deliver a mix of nostalgic classics and contemporary programming, making it a hub for family-friendly entertainment. The platform is available on Android and iOS, offering content in over 12 languages and spanning multiple genres such as infotainment, gaming, education, shopping, and live events. This launch marks a significant step toward realizing the Digital India vision, especially for rural audiences, by bridging the digital divide.

Key Features of ‘Waves’

Diverse Content Offerings: Waves provides 65 live TV channels, video-on-demand, free-to-play games, and online shopping through ONDC. It hosts content across genres like infotainment, education, and entertainment in over 12 languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Konkani.

Nostalgic and Modern Shows: The platform blends India’s cultural past with the present, featuring classic TV shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Shaktimaan, alongside new age content like Fauji 2.0 and Kicking Balls. The inclusion of student films, reality shows, and regional programming enhances its appeal.

Exclusive Live Events and Collaborations: Waves will broadcast live events like the US Premier League Cricket Tournament and Mann Ki Baat. It has partnered with organizations like CDAC for cybersecurity awareness campaigns and collaborated with film schools such as FTII and Annapurna for student films.

Strategic Goals and Vision

Focus on Family-Friendly Content: The platform is designed as a “one-stop hub” for families, kids, and youth. It aims to provide clean content while showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.

Supporting Young Creators: Waves actively supports emerging content creators, including National Creator Awardees and students from film and media colleges.

Future Prospects and Partnerships

Collaborations with Government and Industry: Waves is co-developing content with various ministries and states, aiming to provide meaningful entertainment through docudramas, reality shows, and historical documentaries. It also offers live streaming from Doordarshan and private channels in categories like news, sports, and devotional programs.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
Prasar Bharati launches OTT platform ‘Waves’ at IFFI 2024	Platform Name: Waves; Launch Event: IFFI 2024; Launch By: CM Pramod Sawant of Goa; Tagline: “Waves – Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar”; Languages: Over 12 languages including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Konkani, etc.; Content: 65 live TV channels, VOD, free games, online shopping (ONDC integration).
Chief Minister of Goa	Name: Pramod Sawant; Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Capital of Goa: Panaji; State: Goa
Ministry Involved	Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; Secretary: Sanjay Jaju
Platform Features	Genres: Infotainment, education, gaming, shopping, live events; Live Events: US Premier League Cricket, Mann Ki Baat, Ayodhya’s Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti; Collaboration with: CDAC for Cyber Security awareness.
Supporting Young Creators	National Creator Awardees: Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, Shraddha Sharma, others; Film School Partnerships: FTII, Annapurna.
Films & Shows Featured	Films: Roll No.52, Fauji 2.0, Kicking Balls, Monkey King: The Hero is Back; TV Shows: Fouja, Bhed Bharam, Corporate Sarpanch; Animations: Chota Bheem.