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Tag: Prasar Bharati

  • Cloud TV tunes into India’s Cultural Waves

    Cloud TV tunes into India’s Cultural Waves

    MUMBAI: Looks like Cloud TV just found its frequency for nostalgia. In a landmark partnership, India’s first homegrown Smart TV operating system has teamed up with Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, Waves, to bring the nation’s cultural heartbeat and entertainment heritage straight to connected TVs across the country.

    The collaboration ensures that Cloud TV’s 12 plus million users, spanning popular TV brands like Lloyd, Micromax, and Croma, can now tune into Waves’ vast digital library. From Doordarshan and Akashvani’s iconic archives to new-age shows, music, and live events, the platform offers content in over 20 languages, uniting India’s timeless stories with today’s digital rhythm.

    Cloud TV COO & co-founder Abhijeet Rajpurohit called the alliance “a digital bridge connecting nostalgia with innovation, heritage with technology.” The goal, he said, is to let viewers experience India’s cultural narrative in a modern, accessible way.

    Echoing this sentiment, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi noted that Waves embodies India’s self-reliant digital vision, giving audiences a seamless way to engage with the nation’s rich cultural and creative ecosystem.

    With Cloud TV OS already powering millions of Smart TVs across brands, the move amplifies Waves’ reach into homes nationwide. Viewers can simply spot the Waves logo on their Cloud TV-powered sets and dive into a treasure trove of shows, radio, podcasts, and archives, where the old meets the new in perfect harmony.

    After all, with desh ka apna OTT meeting desh ka apna OS, India’s story just found its clearest signal yet.

  • When AI met Arjun, Mahabharat gets an epic tech twist

    When AI met Arjun, Mahabharat gets an epic tech twist

    MUMBAI: Some battles never end, they just get a software update. Collective Media Network’s Historyverse has dropped the trailer for Mahabharat enabled by AI, a retelling of India’s most enduring epic where myth meets machine. Set to premiere on Waves OTT on 25 October 2025, followed by a Doordarshan telecast every Sunday at 11 am from 2 November, the series promises to blend nostalgia with next-gen storytelling.

    The trailer feels like déjà vu dressed in digital armour, familiar faces of dharma and destiny, rendered with the power of artificial intelligence. Behind the screens, a team of writers, researchers, technicians, and engineers at Collective Artists Network’s Galleri5 have built this brave new Kurukshetra pixel by pixel, turning age-old verses into a visual feast that bridges the past and the future.

    “For many of us, watching the Mahabharat on TV was part of our childhood, those Sunday mornings meant something special,” said Collective Artists Network founder & group CEO Vijay Subramaniam. “With Mahabharat enabled by AI, we wanted to bring that memory back, but make it feel fresh, relevant, and made for this time. It’s emotional, it’s big, and it’s built with care.”

    At the heart of this digital dharma lies a collaboration between Collective Media Network and Prasar Bharati, a pairing that merges old-school television tradition with cutting-edge creativity. Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi noted, “This is exactly the kind of innovation that keeps our cultural legacy alive for generations to come. It’s exciting to see how technology can reawaken stories that unite people.”

    For viewers, the AI-driven Mahabharat is less of a reboot and more of a renaissance, a chance to relive the grandeur, the moral conflict, and the emotion that once glued an entire nation to its TV screens. Only this time, Bhishma’s armour gleams with digital precision, Krishna’s wisdom echoes through neural networks, and the battle for truth plays out in ultra-HD.

    As Historyverse puts it, the project isn’t just a show; it’s a statement that even in a world ruled by algorithms, the human heart still craves stories of courage, loyalty, and fate. So come October, when conch shells sound and pixels clash, audiences will witness an epic reborn not rewritten, just re-coded.

  • Central government drives Bind scheme with Rs 2,539 crore push

    Central government drives Bind scheme with Rs 2,539 crore push

    NEW DELHI: India’s public broadcasters are in the middle of their most ambitious revamp in decades. The government told Parliament this week that its Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (Bind) scheme — approved for 2021–26 with an outlay of Rs 2,539.61 crore — is advancing on schedule, with close to Rs 981 crore already spent.

    The five-year programme is designed to modernise Doordarshan and Akashvani (All India Radio) with digital transmission, high-definition studios, new FM towers and a wider footprint in border, tribal and left-wing extremism–affected regions. The ministry said no major funds have lapsed, though procurement delays occasionally slowed spending, now being addressed through tighter monitoring.

    One of Bind’s biggest successes is the expansion of DD Free Dish, India’s only free-to-air DTH service. Channel count has surged from 104 in 2019 to 510 today, including 92 private broadcasters, 50 Doordarshan services and 320 educational channels. Popular Akashvani stations such as FM Gold, Rainbow and Vividh Bharati are also available on the platform, making free access to information and entertainment more widely available.

    Akashvani’s terrestrial coverage now spans 90 per cent of India’s geography and 98 per cent of its population. Alongside its traditional FM network, more than 260 AIR channels are now accessible through the NewsonAIR mobile app. To further strengthen reach, 59 new FM transmitters have been approved under the scheme.

    In parallel, Prasar Bharati has entered the OTT space with Waves, launched in 2024. The digital platform aggregates infotainment, news, education and cultural content, and integrates feeds from Doordarshan and AIR. Officials say Waves is helping extend public broadcasting to younger, mobile-first audiences and to Indians overseas.

    The Bind scheme, covering all states, represents an attempt to reposition public service broadcasting in a hyper-fragmented media market.

    For New Delhi, the strategy is as much about access as it is about influence — ensuring that public broadcasting reaches underserved communities while competing with private players on technology and content.

     

  • Prasar Bharati OTT – Waves launches Magazines and Journals section

    Prasar Bharati OTT – Waves launches Magazines and Journals section

    MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati unveiled the Magazines and Journals Section on its OTT platform, Waves, bringing India’s leading periodicals to a unified, multilingual digital destination. The initiative was launched by Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati during Magzimise 2025 at The Imperial, New Delhi, in the presence of prominent publishers, and industry leaders.

    The section hosts over 50 titles from six popular publications including Living Media India Ltd (India Today Group), Delhi Press Patra Prakashan Private Ltd, Outlook Publishing India Pvt. Ltd., Diamond Magazines Private Ltd, Kalakaumudi Publications Private Ltd, and Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Ltd. The catalogue covers news, current affairs, research, lifestyle, culture, and special interest content.

    The publications are available in nine languages including English, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi namely:

    * India Today English, India Today Hindi, Business Today, Reader’s Digest, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Hello! India, Auto Today
    * Grishshobha Hindi, Sarita, Saras Salil, Manohar Kahaniyan, Grishshobha Gujarati, Grishshobha Marathi, Grishshobha Kannada, Grishshobha Tamil, Grishshobha Telugu, Grishshobha Bangla, Grishshobha Malayalam, Mukta, Farm N Food, Satyakatha, Champak (English), Champak Hindi, Champak Marathi, Champak Gujarati, Champak Kannada, Champak Tamil, Champak Telugu, Highlight Genies, Highlight Champs

    * Outlook, Outlook Business, Outlook Money, Outlook Traveller, Outlook Hindi

    * Grihlakshmi, Sadhna Path, Cricket Today (Hindi), Cricket Today (English)

    * Kalakaumudi, Vellinakshatram, Muhurtham

    * Aval Vikatan

    This newly launched section complements the free access to prestigious government publications such as Yojana, Kurukshetra, Aajkal, and Bal Bharati, already available on Waves.

    Over the next year, Waves aims to grow this library to 150+ titles from 30+ renowned publishers, positioning itself as one of the most comprehensive digital archives for Indian magazines and journals.

    To mark the launch, Waves is introducing a special limited-period subscription offer of Rs 99 per month and Rs 999 per year.

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “Waves is evolving into a complete content destination, a place where audiences can find trusted information, meaningful storytelling, and cultural depth in equal measure. The Magazines and Journals Section strengthens this vision, offering credible and diverse content in multiple languages to readers across the country. This is about more than convenience; it is about placing quality publishing where the audience already is.”

    Executive publisher, Delhi Press, and president, Association of Indian Magazines, Sh. Anant Nath said, “We are extremely excited to partner with Waves to bring the richness of Indian magazines with their credible and thoughtful content to the large online readership that the platform is building.”

    The section is now live and accessible to subscribers nationwide on Waves across all its platforms, including the mobile app, web portal, and connected TV applications.

     

  • Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    NEW DELHI:   Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has inked a strategic memorandum of understanding with AEx Sport the sports innovation arm of UK-based AdiGroupe, to launch  the Global League Wrestling (GLW) — the first professional wrestling league of its kind in India and the Asia-Pacific.

    The collaboration combines Prasar Bharati’s national reach across DD Sports, All India Radio and digital platform Waves, with AEx Sport’s global firepower in production, IP, and marketing. GLW is set to be unveiled on 17 September and will hit the screens from 4 October 2025, airing weekly over a 40-week season of high-octane, family-friendly programming.

    “This marks a new era for Indian pro-wrestling,” said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal. “GLW reinforces our vision of taking Indian sport to global heights and giving our youth a credible platform to shine.”

    Positioned as a cultural milestone in Indian sport, GLW will blend traditional Indian storytelling with world-class wrestling theatrics, introducing original characters, cinematic plots, and a production style aimed at mass appeal. It is also seen as part of the government’s broader push to promote youth engagement through sport.

    “GLW brings a new genre of content that’s rooted in our culture but built for the world,” said Prasar Bharati CEO  Gaurav Dwivedi. “We’re creating something truly unique for Indian audiences.”

    Backing the league’s ambitions is AdiGroupe and AEx Sport chairman Sanjay Viswanathan, who described GLW as “an immersive, youth-led cultural experience that puts Indian talent centre stage”. He added: “We’re dedicating GLW to India to inspire pride, competitiveness and global ambition among Indian youth.”

    Wrestling icon The Great Khali joins as GLW’s brand ambassador and talent commissioner, bringing star power and mentorship to the ring. “GLW offers a serious and structured path for Indian athletes to shine — on our terms,” said Khali.

    With the inaugural season already generating buzz, the tie-up between India’s national broadcaster and a global sports IP developer signals a watershed moment for homegrown sports entertainment.

  • Prasar Bharati inks handball broadcast deal to boost sport’s reach

    Prasar Bharati inks handball broadcast deal to boost sport’s reach

    NEW DELHI: India’s public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with the Handball Association of India (HAI) to produce and beam all national and international handball events.
    The matches will be telecast on DD Sports, Waves OTT, and other Prasar Bharati platforms in a bid to expand the sport’s footprint and nurture emerging talent.

    The agreement was formally exchanged between Prasar Bharati chief executive officer Gaurav Dwivedi and HAI executive director Anandeshwar Pande. Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal was also present at the signing.

    The move marks a major push to take the underdog sport mainstream and give Indian handball players a national stage.

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  • Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: From Agra expressways to All India Radio, Navneet Sehgal’s media journey has had one goal, reaching Bharat, better. At the latest edition of IAA Conversations, hosted by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in partnership with The Free Press Journal, the spotlight fell on Prasar Bharati, chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal in an engaging tête-à-tête with Groupm COO for South Asia Ashwin Padmanabhan.

    Held at Mumbai’s Taj Lands End, the session welcomed a full house of brand custodians, agency leaders, and media professionals, reflecting the industry’s growing interest in public service media’s evolution.

    IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani kicked off the evening by reaffirming the IAA’s 2025 focus “Conversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligence” as tools to futureproof the communication ecosystem.

    Described as a legacy administrator with a media mission, Sehgal spoke candidly about navigating the dual identity of Prasar Bharati, a half-government, half-autonomous behemoth with unmatched rural reach and new-age ambitions.

    “With over 1000 transmitters, 36 plus TV channels, and 58 radio stations, our footprint is vast. But our challenge now is agility and relevance,” Sehgal said.

    Some of the initiatives he outlined include, Building a robust OTT platform that unifies live TV, radio, e-commerce, and digital-first content. Launching direct-to-mobile TV broadcasting that bypasses internet requirements. Investing in creator and youth ecosystems through initiatives like Waves, a content summit kickstarted by the prime minister.

    Ashwin Padmanabhan noted that under Sehgal’s leadership, Prasar Bharati had become remarkably collaborative, inviting participation from advertisers, influencers, and platforms alike.

    “This is not a closed-door legacy broadcaster anymore,” he said. “It’s a space where creators can experiment, and brands can build authentic Tier 2 and Tier 3 engagement.”

    Sehgal recounted a memorable storytelling project with Big FM and Nilesh Mishra that used emotion, not explanation, to communicate government schemes. “A good ad commercial or social moves people to act. That’s the power of public storytelling,” he said.

    He emphasised that while public service media often carries the weight of bureaucracy, its evolution must be people-first. “We are not just public. We are people-first. And to stay people-first, we must constantly innovate.”

    The evening closed on a high note, with warm appreciation from the audience, which included advertising veterans, brand marketers, and digital leaders. Special thanks were extended to the IAA team, including Rahul and Heta, for curating a conversation that was more than just a fireside chat, it was a call to reimagine public media for a new India.

    As Sehgal quipped with a smile, “Legacy is not a burden, it’s the launchpad.”

  • Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    MUMBAI: India’s national broadcaster is catching the OTT tide and this one’s making Waves. In a move that blends legacy media with fresh digital storytelling, Prasar Bharati has partnered with Shucae Films to host the latter’s vibrant catalogue on its OTT platform Waves, with select content also airing across its television channels. The alliance brings a medley of Shucae’s web shows to Prasar Bharati’s growing digital stable. Think romantic twists, comedic chaos, and indie grit with titles like Jaane Kyun, It’s a Match, Pyaar Ke Panne, Bolo Pencil, Love Forever, Yeh Hai Meri Love Story!, and more now streaming for free.

    By roping in Shucae’s younger, internet-savvy audience and juxtaposing it with its traditional viewership, Prasar Bharati is shaping Waves as a platform that doesn’t just preserve culture but also mirrors current content trends. The move also reflects the broadcaster’s broader digital-first ambition.

    “This partnership reflects our commitment to offering vibrant, diverse and engaging content,” said Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi. “Waves continues to evolve as a digital-first platform showcasing the best of Indian storytelling.”

    Shucae Films CEO Manoj Doogra added, “We’re thrilled to bring our stories to a wider audience through Prasar Bharati. Waves is the perfect platform to blend entertainment with impact.”

    From love stories to offbeat dramas, the line-up adds colour to Waves’ growing content pool. It also signals a stronger future for public broadcasters leaning into contemporary formats and co-creating with India’s expanding OTT talent pool. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Doordarshan or the now-ness of web series, this is storytelling tuned to every screen.

  • Waves and Eros Now stream into a new era with blockbuster partnership

    Waves and Eros Now stream into a new era with blockbuster partnership

    MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT platform is making a splash in the digital entertainment space by joining forces with Eros Now, bringing a treasure trove of Indian films, original series, and more to audiences worldwide. This partnership not only enhances Waves’ content library with Eros Now’s extensive 12,000 plus title collection but also introduces AI-driven personalisation powered by Immerso AI, ensuring an engaging and seamless viewing experience.

    With hit films like Bajirao Mastani, Tanu Weds Manu, and English Vinglish joining the platform, Waves is set to redefine entertainment accessibility, making high-quality content available for free, even in remote regions of India. Additionally, the collaboration will see Prasar Bharati’s sports and entertainment programming extend to Eros Now, enriching its global offerings.

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “Partnering with Eros Now marks an exciting milestone in our efforts to keep the nation entertained. This collaboration supports our commitment to offering diverse, high-quality programming, powered by cutting-edge technology and exceptional content. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks in digital entertainment and connect with viewers in more meaningful ways.”

    Eros Now CEO Vikram Tanna commented, “This partnership with Prasar Bharati represents a significant step in expanding our reach and delivering premium content to a broader audience. By combining our strengths, we aim to redefine the digital entertainment landscape and provide unparalleled experiences to viewers worldwide.”

    With Waves embracing blockchain-backed innovation and AI-driven recommendations, this alliance ensures that users get not just content, but a hyper-personalised entertainment journey.
     

  • Entertainers Cricket League (ECL) returns, live on Waves OTT

    Entertainers Cricket League (ECL) returns, live on Waves OTT

    MUMBAI: Cricket. Influencers. A digital audience of 900 million. Welcome to the Entertainers Cricket League (ECL) 2025, where content creators swap ring lights for floodlights and step onto the pitch for an electrifying showdown. After a phenomenal debut season, ECL is back bigger, better, and bolder, running from 5-16 March 2025, with live broadcasts on Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT platform.

    The tournament launches today with a grand opening ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi, led by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta. The action officially kicks off at 6 pm, with a thrilling opening clash between Haryanvi Hunters and Rajasthan Rangers, setting the tone for two weeks of intense competition.

    ECL isn’t just expanding its viewership—it’s expanding its battlefield. This year’s edition welcomes three new teams into the fray:

    – Rajasthan Rangers – Led by Youtube sensation Zayn Saifi.

    – Kolkata Superstars – Headed by digital entrepreneur Pushkar Raj Thakur.

    – Chennai Smashers – Commanded by social media star Mahesh Keshwala

    They join returning fan-favourites like Munawar Faruqui, Abhishek Malhan, Elvish Yadav, Sonu Sharma, and Anurag Dwivedi, all of whom are set to mesmerise their massive fan bases both on the field and across social media.

    ECL’s partnership with Waves OTT is a game-changer, ensuring that every six, wicket, and nail-biting moment reaches cricket and content fans alike.

    “We are thrilled to bring the Entertainers Cricket League live to our viewers on Waves OTT! This season is set to ignite an electrifying showcase of talent, fierce competition, and unparalleled fan energy. With record participation and an unstoppable wave of enthusiasm, we are gearing up for a tournament like never before, and we can’t wait for the action to unfold”, etched Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi.

    “We’re thrilled to have Waves, Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, as our sponsor for ECL Season 2. Their commitment to bringing diverse and engaging content aligns perfectly with our vision for the league”, elated Entertainers Cricket League founder Himanshu Chandnani.

    “Having Waves as a sponsor for ECL Season 2 is a great addition. Their support strengthens the league, and we’re looking forward to an exciting season ahead”,  added Entertainers Cricket League founder Anil Kumar.

    The ECL 2025 final is set for 16 March at 9 pm, promising a blockbuster climax to a tournament that blends the best of cricket, content creation, and fan engagement.