Prasar Bharati, India’s national public broadcaster, has taken a step into the digital era with the launch of its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, WAVES. Makng the announcement at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), in Goa, Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, said the OTT will blend nostalgia with contemporary digital trends, providing a diverse range of content that appeals to Indians, including the diaspora.
Presenting to you, WAVES OTT!
— WAVES OTT (@WAVES_OTT) November 22, 2024
Your new family entertainment platform. Watch your favourite content for FREE!
(Link in bio) #WAVES #WAVESOTT #EntertainmentKiNayiLehar @prasarbharati @centralarchives @DDNewslive @DDNational @MIB_India @DDIndialive @GauravDwivedi95 pic.twitter.com/5OrzQOkAK8
Dwivedi highlighted the need for the public broadcaster to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. “There is a need for the public broadcaster to remain present on all platforms as we have to make information and content available for audiences across our large country,” he stated. The CEO also noted that WAVES would be an essential tool for Indians who have moved away from their roots but wish to stay connected with their culture.
The platform is designed to serve all sections of society by offering content in 12+ languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. It spans over 10 genres, featuring live TV, video-on-demand, free-to-play gaming, and radio streaming. With these diverse offerings, WAVES ensures that audiences can access both entertainment and informative content seamlessly.
The CEO of Prasar Bharati, @GauravDwivedi95, shares his vision behind the launch of the WAVES OTT platform.
— Doordarshan National दूरदर्शन नेशनल (@DDNational) November 21, 2024
Download the app now and start streaming your favourites!
No subscription required. Available now on Android & iOS.
Android : https://t.co/xtTF2dGzOq
iOS :… pic.twitter.com/kEryAySLBX
WAVES iwill feature iconic shows from Doordarshan’s legacy alongside contemporary content, creating a unique blend that caters to all age groups. Two major highlights include Fauji 2.0, a modern adaptation of the classic 1980s show that launched the career of Shahrukh Khan, and Kakbhushundi Ramayana, a new original series that brings to life stories from 350 versions of the epic tale.
Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, called it a “duty” to bring clean family entertainment to audiences. Sehgal emphasized that the platform would celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage while remaining accessible to all. He added that downloading WAVES is free, with only select premium content requiring a purchase.
In addition to showcasing India’s history and heritage, WAVES is set to embrace modern technological trends. The platform integrates multiple features, such as app-in-app functionality for video and gaming, live streaming of 65 channels, and e-commerce options supported by the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This innovative approach ensures that WAVES is not just a streaming service but a comprehensive digital ecosystem.
The launch of WAVES was officiated by Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, during IFFI’s opening ceremony.
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