A big decision has been taken by the government regarding the entertainment of the people. Over-The-Top (OTT) platform has been launched by Prasar Bharati. You too might be surprised to know this. Besides, Prasar Bharati has also taken care of every language. It has been launched at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Chief Minister of Goa were also present during this period. India’s reliable Doordarshan will also now be available on OTT. A post was also made on X by Prasar Bharati regarding this. Also information was given that it has been launched in different languages. The post read, ‘Prasar Bharti launches WAVES OTT platform at IFFI! The platform aims to refresh nostalgia while embracing advanced digital trends by offering a rich mix of classic content and contemporary programming.’ You are going to have many facilities on Waves including 65 live channels.
Special facilities will be available
Waves will feature video-on-demand, free-to-play gaming, radio online streaming, live TV streaming, 65 live channels, apps for video and gaming content, and Cybe shopping. This is where users are also going to get the facility of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). All these facilities are going to be available in more than 12 languages. Prasar Bharati says that every Indian has been kept in mind while making this app. This is the reason why features have been added according to every Indian.
Will Netflix, Jio Cinema, Hotstar get competition?
Netflix, Jio Cinema and Hotstar are already present in the market. All of them have one-sided possession. But waves have entered recently. For this you will not need to take subscription. This is going to be very beneficial for those users who want access to content without subscription. That means you will not need to spend any money separately.
How might Prasar Bharati’s new OTT platform influence regional content production in India?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and OTT Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the latest happenings in the world of media and entertainment. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Anjali Kumar, an expert in digital broadcasting and OTT platforms, to discuss a significant development in the entertainment sector—the recent launch of an OTT platform by Prasar Bharati during the 55th International Film Festival of India. Dr. Kumar, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Anjali Kumar: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Prasar Bharati has taken a bold step by entering the OTT space. What do you think motivated the government to launch this platform?
Dr. Anjali Kumar: It’s a fascinating move, especially considering the rapid growth of digital media consumption in India. By launching an OTT platform, Prasar Bharati aims to reach a wider audience and provide diverse content. The government recognizes that entertainment is not just a pastime but an essential part of cultural expression and national identity. This step is about democratizing access to quality content for all citizens.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. You mentioned diverse content. How does this platform cater to different linguistic groups in India?
Dr. Anjali Kumar: One of the standout features of this launch is Prasar Bharati’s commitment to covering every language. India is home to a multitude of languages and dialects, and an OTT platform that respects and showcases this diversity can create a more inclusive viewing experience. By offering content in regional languages, the platform can engage local audiences and promote cultural narratives that often get sidelined in mainstream media.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of engagement, the launch coincided with the International Film Festival of India. How significant is this timing for the platform, and what impact do you foresee?
Dr. Anjali Kumar: The timing is brilliant! The International Film Festival of India brings together filmmakers, critics, and audiences from around the globe. Launching the OTT platform during such a prestigious event not only provides visibility but also signals Prasar Bharati’s seriousness about entering this competitive space. It can attract filmmakers to contribute content and give audiences a reason to engage with the platform, potentially leading to a rich library of films and shows.
Time.news Editor: You make a strong case for its potential success. However, entering the OTT space comes with challenges. What obstacles do you think Prasar Bharati might face?
Dr. Anjali Kumar: Absolutely, while there’s great potential, there are considerable challenges too. Competing with established platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and regional OTT services will require Prasar Bharati to invest in high-quality content and innovative user experience. Additionally, they’ll need to navigate regulatory challenges and ensure that their platform complies with all broadcasting standards while engaging users effectively.
Time.news Editor: Those challenges are indeed significant. What role do you think this platform will play in shaping the future of Indian entertainment?
Dr. Anjali Kumar: This initiative can revolutionize the Indian entertainment landscape by offering a new avenue for storytelling and creativity. It has the potential to nurture local talent and encourage independent filmmakers, especially those who may have limited access to traditional distribution channels. If executed well, it could pave the way for a more vibrant and diverse cultural ecosystem.
Time.news Editor: Exciting times ahead for Indian cinema, indeed! Before we wrap up, Dr. Kumar, how can audiences best support this new platform?
Dr. Anjali Kumar: Audiences can support the platform by actively engaging with its content, providing feedback, and sharing their experiences. Encouraging discussions around the shows and films they enjoy can help build a community that fosters growth. Additionally, advocating for and purchasing subscriptions can provide the necessary funding for high-quality productions.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kumar, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Prasar Bharati’s new venture has the potential to make a significant impact in the Indian entertainment industry.
Dr. Anjali Kumar: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this evolves and the positive changes it brings to the viewing landscape in India.
Time.news Editor: Tune in next time for more discussions on the latest in media and entertainment. Until then, stay informed!