ITV

Tag: Prasar Bharati

  • Waves OTT to stream DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live, free & exclusive

    Waves OTT to stream DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live, free & exclusive

    MUMBAI: Indian football fans, get ready for some top-tier German football action! Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT is bringing the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals live and free to India, marking another milestone in the platform’s rapid expansion into live sports broadcasting.

    Starting 4 February, Waves will stream the high-intensity knockout battles of Germany’s premier club cup competition, ensuring Indian fans get a front-row seat to the action. This move signals a major boost for Waves OTT as it cements itself as a go-to destination for live sports streaming.

    Quarterfinals match schedule:

    . 4 February: VfB Stuttgart vs. FC Augsburg

    .  5 February: Bayer Leverkusen vs. FC Köln

    .  25 February: DSC Arminia Bielefeld vs. SV Werder Bremen

    .  26 February: RB Leipzig vs. VfL Wolfsburg

    Football lovers can expect edge-of-the-seat excitement as some of Germany’s top clubs battle it out for cup glory. With electrifying matchups and high stakes, the DFB-Pokal quarterfinals promise non-stop action.

    The DFB-Pokal debut marks a significant moment for Waves, which has already gained traction with its Hockey India League (HIL) and DD Winter Sports Games coverage. With an ever-growing catalogue of live sporting events, Waves is rapidly positioning itself as India’s premier digital sports hub.

    DFB (German Football Association) director of global media rights, Kay Daommholz emphasised the significance of this collaboration stating, “The DFB-Pokal is a cornerstone of German football, and we’re excited to bring these live matches to Waves for the first time. As the competition advances to the quarterfinals, the energy on the pitch is only going to heighten. This partnership with Waves ensures that fans across the region will experience the magic of the tournament firsthand.”

    Echoing the excitement, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, “This is an important milestone for Waves, marking our first live football broadcast. The DFB-Pokal has such a rich history, and we’re proud to be the platform hosting these iconic moments. It’s a clear signal of our commitment to growing the sports category on Waves and delivering thrilling live sports experiences to our viewers.”

    The first quarterfinal match, Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. FC Köln, kicks off live at 7:45 pm GMT on Tuesday, 4 February (01:15 AM IST on Wednesday, 5 February). Don’t miss the chance to witness footballing excellence from one of Europe’s most prestigious cup tournaments.

    With this groundbreaking move, Waves OTT is set to revolutionise live sports streaming in India, making world-class football accessible to millions.

     

  • Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT now on Jio Stores, expanding Indian content access

    Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT now on Jio Stores, expanding Indian content access

    MUMBAI: In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where skyscrapers narrate tales of ambition, one name consistently towers above the rest—Mukesh Ambani.

    The maestro of business expansion has struck again, this time joining forces with Prasar Bharati, India’s cherished custodian of cultural narratives.

    In a move that seamlessly blends legacy with technology, the public broadcaster’s OTT platform, Waves, now graces the Jio Store shelves, promising a cinematic journey through India’s heart and heritage.

    Imagine the allure: archives of Doordarshan’s golden era, the timeless melodies of All India Radio, and an array of fresh originals—all a tap away for millions of Jio users. This partnership isn’t just about streaming content; it’s a bridge connecting India’s storied past with its digital future, hand-delivered by Ambani’s ever-expanding empire.

    Is there a realm Mukesh Ambani doesn’t touch? It seems unlikely, as Jio continues to rewire how India consumes entertainment, one milestone at a time.

    Since its launch, Waves has rapidly garnered attention, amassing over one million downloads and positioning itself as a premier destination for Indian audiences. With this collaboration, Waves takes a strategic leap to become accessible across all Jio devices, leveraging the telecom giant’s expansive reach and connectivity.

    Imagine how India’s rich cultural tapestry can now reach every corner of the nation? With Waves on Jio Stores.

    Waves offers something for everyone:

    . Original Content: Explore new fiction and non-fiction programming.

    . Legacy Programming: Rediscover classic shows from Doordarshan archives.

    . Live Events: Stream real-time happenings from across the nation.

    . Gaming and E-Commerce: A unique blend of entertainment and interaction.

    . Nostalgia Features: Enjoy photo albums and magazines highlighting India’s heritage.

    This diverse lineup ensures that Waves caters to audiences of all ages and preferences. As the platform grows, its popularity underscores a collective demand for authentic Indian storytelling.

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi expressed his optimism about this partnership, “We are thrilled to take Waves to the next level by making it available to Jio users. The platform has already received a fantastic response, and with Jio’s vast subscriber base, we are excited to introduce our diverse and compelling content, which includes – Nostalgia, Live Channels, Magazines, Photo Albums, etc., to even more homes.”

    A Jio spokesperson added, “We are excited to partner with Prasar Bharati to offer Waves to our users. This partnership offers a wider content offering to audiences at large and ensures that they are able to choose from the best.”

    Why does this partnership even matter?

    The inclusion of Waves on Jio Stores signifies a blending of modern technology with the cultural essence of India. It underscores Prasar Bharati’s mission to preserve India’s heritage while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences.

    From classic TV dramas to innovative new content, Waves aims to deliver a robust digital entertainment experience that celebrates India’s diversity.

    Are you ready to surf India’s cultural treasures with Waves?

     

  • Prasar Bharati’s bold OTT leap with Adhikari Brothers

    Prasar Bharati’s bold OTT leap with Adhikari Brothers

    MUMBAI: Have you ever wondered what happens when two iconic Indian media powerhouses join forces? The answer is an unprecedented expansion of content horizons, blending tradition with innovation.

    Prasar Bharati, India’s revered public broadcaster, has unveiled a landmark strategic alliance with Sri Adhikari Brothers Digital Network Pvt. Ltd., promising to redefine the country’s entertainment landscape. This partnership aims to bring premium and diverse content from Sri Adhikari Brothers to Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT platform and linear television channels, ensuring something for every viewer.

    This collaboration symbolises a reunion of historic allies, rooted in shared values and a deep commitment to quality entertainment. Under the agreement, Mastiii, Dabangg, and Maiboli, Sri Adhikari Brothers’ popular channels, will now be accessible on Waves, enriching its library with vibrant, family-friendly, and youth-centric programming.

    Sri Adhikari Brothers Network chairman emeritus, Markand Adhikari reminisced, “Gautam (my brother) and I started our career with Doordarshan, and whatever Adhikari Brothers is today is because of the massive reach of Doordarshan. We feel like it’s a homecoming, and I am confident that, once again, we will provide quality entertainment for our audiences. We are proud of our legacy with Doordarshan.”

    The partnership extends beyond content distribution, focusing on co-developing fresh, innovative programming to cater to contemporary audiences. With an eye on culturally rich and socially relevant content, this alliance aims to bridge generational gaps while embracing digital advancements.

    What does this mean for viewers? Waves will become the go-to destination for diverse entertainment, boasting the best of regional hits, family dramas, and youth-focused shows. The inclusion of Mastiii, Dabangg, and Maiboli strengthens the platform’s appeal, making it a versatile hub for modern-day audiences.

    Sri Adhikari Brothers MD Kailasnath Adhikari expressed his excitement, “I have grown up watching Doordarshan and I call it my home. We are filled with nothing but pride and will always put our best foot forward to carry on this association for times to come.”

    What’s next?

    This collaboration is more than a content-sharing deal—it is a step forward in enriching India’s entertainment ecosystem. By blending Prasar Bharati’s 50+ years of broadcast legacy with Sri Adhikari Brothers’ modern approach, this alliance signals a promising era for both traditional and digital platforms.

    Is this the beginning of a broader trend in Indian media partnerships? Only time will tell.

  • DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    DD scoops Hockey India League live telecast rights for next three years

    MUMBAI: There’s nothing more exciting that seeing a player with a hockey stick in his hand dribbling past the mid-field, swerving and dodging past the defending backs and reverse flicking the ball into the goal, leaving the goal keeper  stranded and flat on his back on the turf. 

    Many more such moments will be available to field hockey lovers  courtesy pubcaster Doordarshan, It has pocketed the rights to live  telecast the sixth edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), which will begin from 28 December 2024, thanks to an agreement it has signed with Hockey India (HI).( Reports are that the contract between the two is actually for the next three years.) What’s special with the new agreement is that DD will also be bringing the women’s HIL matches live to viewers apart from the fast-paced men’s. tournament.  

    Sports lovers may recall that the Indian national men’s team has been gradually getting back its mojo and won the bronze medal at this year’s Paris Olympics as well as in Tokyo. 

    HIL will have eight men’s teams and four women’s teams participating in Rourkela and Ranchi, showcasing outstanding talent from India and around the world.

    Said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Sehgal: “We are privileged to partner with the HIL, a platform that celebrates our national sports and aligns people across different categories. Through our comprehensive coverage, we aim to bring the electrifying spirit of hockey, including the historic debut of Women HIL, to viewers everywhere, bridging the urban and rural divide and amplifying the league’s impact.”

    Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi added: “Indian sports lovers are confident that the golden era of Indian hockey is being brought back. Doordarshan as the public broadcaster is looking forward to contributing to this broader vision through this partnership. The idea is to elevate hockey production and broadcast to global sporting standards. The sports lovers across the world can now watch the HIL, both men and women on DD Sports and Waves- the recently launched OTT platform of Prasar Bharati.”

    HIL  governing committee chairperson Dilip Tirkey said, “We are thrilled to partner with Doordarshan as the official broadcaster of the HIL. This year is particularly special with the launch of the Women’s HIL, a landmark step in promoting women’s hockey. Doordarshan’s unparalleled reach and commitment to sports perfectly align with our vision of taking hockey to every corner of the nation. Together, we aim to inspire millions and elevate the HIL to unprecedented heights.”

    HIL governing committee member Bhola Nath Singh commented, “Hockey is more than just a sport for us – it’s a symbol of our unity and pride. The addition of the Women’s HIL this season is a giant leap forward in ensuring equality and recognition for women athletes. With Doordarshan as our partner, we’re ready to present a spectacular season of HIL. ‘Hockey connects us, and this partnership strengthens that bond’.”

    As part of its partnership with HI,  Doordarshan says it will also broadcast all HI  national championships and tournaments in India.

    (Picture courtesy Hockey India League)

     

  • Nagarjuna launches season two of Krish, Trish and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum, at IFFI Goa

    Nagarjuna launches season two of Krish, Trish and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum, at IFFI Goa

    Mumbai— The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the second season of the celebrated animated series Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa.

    Nagarjuna graced the event along with Information & Broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju; Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwiwedi; CBC, DG, Yogesh Baweja; Graphiti Studios creators Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty ; Prime Video, India director & head – SVOD, Shilangi Mukherji and Netflix India director of public policy Mahima Kaul.

    The groundbreaking animated series, which celebrates India’s lesser-known freedom fighters, made history with its season one debut across multiple platforms.

    Season two of the animation series, like season one, will premiere simultaneously across Doordarshan, Prime Video, and Netflix.

    The series will be available in 12 Indian languages—including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, and Odia—and seven international languages – French, German, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Chinese and Arabic making it accessible to a global audience in 150 countries, further amplifying its reach.

    Season two continues the mission to highlight unsung heroes from all across the country, including Taji Dele and Ponge Dele from Arunachal Pradesh, Wazir Ram Singh Pathania from Himachal Pradesh, and Birsa Munda from Jharkhand, among others.

    These stories are meant to inspire pride in India’s history while celebrating the diversity and resilience of the country’s freedom fighters.

    The secretary highlighted the importance of such initiatives in nurturing national pride among India’s young generation.

    “The diversity of India’s freedom struggle needs to be communicated in ways that appeal to children. By using animation, we’re making these rich histories not only accessible but also engaging. Through these animated stories, we’re offering young minds a chance to learn about the unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in shaping India’s destiny,” Jaju said.

    “We are delighted to launch a new season of Krish, Trish and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum on Prime Video starting 1st December. The series beautifully highlights the invaluable contribution of several heroes who played a significate part in India’s freedom struggle, giving viewers in India and around the world a chance to learn more about our rich history,” said Mukherji. “We would like to congratulate the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Central Bureau of Communication, and Graphiti Studios for producing this wonderful series. The series is a significant step in our efforts to foster the growth of India’s creative economy and give Indian stories a global showcase. We are confident that the new season will be as well-received by our viewers as the first season.”

    “I have grown up watching a lot of mythology, and stories of Shri Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, Arjun, but stories on our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for our country is equally important. With the new show Bharat Hai Hum, the children and the next generation will get to know about our heroes,” said Nagarjuna.

    Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty, the series’ creators, added, “The stories of India’s unsung heroes have often been overshadowed, but through this series, we aim to ensure that their contributions are remembered and celebrated by the younger generation. It’s not just a story of the past; it’s a lesson for today’s youth to understand the values of courage, resilience, and patriotism.”

    The creators employed nearly 1,000 professionals across India, including animators, voice artists, and production experts, in order to meet an ambitious timeline and deliver the series in record time.

    Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum will also be available in an innovative format: a radio series and a podcast. The Krish, Trish and Baltiboy– Bharat Hain Hum Radio Series will premiere on 1 December on All India Radio (AIR), broadcasting in 12 languages across India. Each episode will be heard at 10:30 AM on Sundays, just 15 minutes before the animation series airs on Doordarshan at 11 AM. The radio show will promote the animated series, creating a seamless cross-platform transition that will help maximize the show’s audience. The unique scheduling strategy promises to offer a significant push for the animation series, ensuring that the young and diverse audience can transition from radio to television effortlessly.

    Additionally, a podcast will be available worldwide on Spotify in 180 countries. This podcast will feature episodes from the series, while also encouraging listeners to watch the animated show on Prime Video, Netflix, Waves and Doordarshan amplifying the reach of this cross-platform distribution strategy.

  • Prasar Bharati launches OTT Waves at IFFI Goa

    Prasar Bharati launches OTT Waves at IFFI Goa

    MUMBAI: It’s hoping to make waves amongst streaming consumers and viewers of its linear TV network. State-owned pubcaster Prasar Bharati  today announced the launch of its own OTT platform branded Waves, offering a broad spectrum of entertainment and news content at the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa. 

    Available for android and iOs devices, it offers around 70  live channels including  B4U Bhojpuri, B4U Music, B4U Kadak, B4U Movies, GNT, Indian Today, ABP News, Divya, Republic, Republic Bharat, News Nation, Pitaara, News 24, PTC Punjabi Gold, PTC Punjabi, Times Now Navbharat, News 18 India, 9XM, NDTV India, TV9 Bharatvarsh, E24, News 24, Dabang, 9X Jalwa, 9X Jakhaas, 9X Tashan, Aaj Tak, Sanskar, Satsang, Raj TV, USPL, ABZY Movies, ABZY Dhaakad, Mayaboli, Masti, and NewsX. This apart, close to 34 of its own channels are available for viewing. 

    Waves also has a slew of original programmes from DD National including Fauji 2, an agricultural reality show Khet Khet May, Swarajya, Cybercrime, Rang mein Rang Ganga,  among other shows. A new version of Ramayan  from the house of Sagar is slated to launch soon. Old DD shows of the eighties and nineties, and others from PTC Punjabi complete the package on offer. 

    A catalogue of Hindi movies including Traffic Signal, Aarakshan, Khakee, Vodka Diaries, Phir Hera Pheri are available for viewing.  The international film slate appears to be worth watching: The Goes Wrong Show, The Monkey King, Mr Johnson, and The Hunger Games. But both the Hindi and international films are powered by  LionsgatePlay and are priced at Rs 399 per quarter. If viewers are not open to paying, they can consume a range of regional films which are dubbed in Hindi and can be watched for free. 

    Waves also has tabs offering live events, movies, shows, live TV, religious programming, archival documentaries, live radio, games, nostalgia, a shopping area linked to the open network for digital commerce, ebooks, a podcast and a creators’ corner.  

    The Waves app is available in three subscription offers. The first, a platinum annual subscription allows access to four devices simultaneously and is priced at 999 per annum while a diamond subscription has a sticker price of Rs 350 per annum for two devices. The gold pack which supposedly allows access to all content on Waves does not have a price tag attached in the subscription area.  

    In August, Prasar Bharati invited TV channels to join the platform, introducing a revenue-sharing model. Under this initiative, participating broadcasters receive 65 per cent of the ad revenue, while Prasar Bharati retains 35 per cent. Waves is offering t in SD, HD, and 4K, initially supporting 10 million concurrent users with scalability to 100 million.

  • Prasar Bharati to launch live TV broadcasts on smartphones without internet: Sources

    Prasar Bharati to launch live TV broadcasts on smartphones without internet: Sources

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati is reportedly working on a new initiative to enable live TV broadcasts on smartphones without requiring an internet connection. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has confirmed that trials for this project are underway in several cities, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs, a subsidiary of Tejas Networks and a Karnataka-based wireless communication solutions provider. These trials involve the use of both high-power and low-power transmitters.

    According to officials, the trials of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology have been promising so far. However, further advancements will require installing transmitters on cellular towers and integrating specialised chips into mobile phones. The live broadcasting of TV channels on smartphones would function similarly to radio, using broadcast signals. Specific hardware would be needed to receive and decode these signals, but it would allow high-quality video and audio streaming without depending on internet speed.

    In 2019, the MIB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore areas like D2M broadcasting, rural broadband, and 5G convergence.

    Prasar Bharati is also reportedly planning to venture into the OTT space. The proposed OTT platform would follow a revenue-sharing model, where content providers would receive 65 per cent of the net revenue generated from subscription or transaction-based content, while Prasar Bharati would retain 35 per cent. Satellite channels that join the platform would follow the same model.

  • Prasar Bharati invites proposals for integrating apps with the OTT Platform

    Prasar Bharati invites proposals for integrating apps with the OTT Platform

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati, the largest public broadcaster in India, has issued a notice inviting proposals for integrating various application platforms with its OTT platform. This call for proposals encompasses several categories, including OTT applications, gaming applications, educational applications, and other types of apps.

    The integration proposals can be based on a Revenue Share Model, offering two main options: sharing content from the applicant’s platform with Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform or exchanging content between the applicant’s platform and Prasar Bharati’s OTT service. Prasar Bharati retains the discretion to consider any submitted proposal, reflecting its flexible approach to content acquisition.

    The application platform-owning companies are required to submit their proposals via email to ott-content@prasarbharati.gov.in, accompanied by a link to the application platform and login credentials to preview the app content.

    All submissions will be evaluated according to the guidelines outlined in Chapter 11 of the Content Sourcing Policy – 2024, which was announced on August 9, 2024. Proposals that do not meet the policy’s eligibility conditions or other stipulated requirements will be rejected. Notably, gaming applications involving monetary transactions, betting, or games of chance are excluded from consideration.

    Prasar Bharati has specified that no processing fee will be charged for proposal submissions. The content acquisition process will be ongoing, with proposals assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Prasar Bharati’s content needs and the merits of each proposal. There is no set deadline for submissions, allowing for continuous evaluation and integration of new content.

  • Prasar Bharati invites applications for allotment of MPEG-4 Slots on DD Freedish DTH platform

    Prasar Bharati invites applications for allotment of MPEG-4 Slots on DD Freedish DTH platform

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati has announced the opening of applications for the allocation of vacant MPEG-4 slots on the DD Freedish DTH platform for the period from 1 August 2024, to 21 March 2025.

    The 80th e-auction for these slots is tentatively scheduled for 24 July 2024.

    The e-auction will be open to channels of all genres and languages, with a reserve price set at Rs 1,34,49,000. This auction will follow the e-auction methodology for the allocation of DD Freedish slots to private TV channels, as outlined by Prasar Bharati on 27 January 2023, and amended on 13 December 2023. Details can be found on the Prasar Bharati website.

    Prasar Bharati has stated in its notice that interested broadcasters should apply online at https://fdslots.prasarbharati.org, where they must upload all required documents as specified in the application.

    Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs 25,000 online through the portal. Additionally, a participation fee of Rs 10,00,000 is required, which must be paid via demand draft.

    Unsuccessful bidders will receive a refund of the participation fee within three weeks following the e-auction results. Successful bidders will be issued a ‘Letter of Allotment’ by Prasar Bharati after the auction.

    The e-auction for the vacant DD Freedish MPEG-2 slots, initially scheduled for 16 July 2024, has been rescheduled to 24 July 2024, according to sources close to the development who informed BestMediaInfo.com.

    Applications for these slots were opened by Prasar Bharati on July 8, 2024, for the period from 24 July 2024, to 31 March 2025. The deadline for submitting applications, initially set for 15 July has now been extended to 23 July 2024.

  • Tripartite MoU signed between USOF, Prasar Bharati and ONDC

    Tripartite MoU signed between USOF, Prasar Bharati and ONDC

    Mumbai: Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signed a tripartite MoU with Prasar Bharati (under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry) to proliferate affordable and accessible digital services across the country. The objective of the MoU is to bundle broadband services with OTT and e-commerce platforms for rural India riding on BharatNet infrastructure under the USOF.

    USOF has been instrumental in enabling highspeed broadband and mobile connections across Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages in the country. This MoU will enable the bundled Prasar Bharati OTT as a service, including linear channels, Live TV and on-demand content, among the end consumers while USOF will ensure efficient and highspeed broadband services in rural and remote areas. The national public service broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, with an unparallel legacy content, consumer reach and brand recall, will source and produce content that will run on its OTT platform. In addition, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a leading player in digital infrastructure, will provide the technical expertise and necessary framework in enabling digital commerce in products & services. This will be expanded to cover more services like education, health, training, credit, insurance, agriculture amongst others.

    The PM’s vision and MoC’s unwavering commitment to foster a conducive environment for digital innovation underpins this truly unique collaboration synergizing connectivity, content and commerce to empower rural India.

    The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), Sh. Niraj Verma, Administrator, USOF, Sh. T. Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC, Sh. A.K. Jha, ADG, Platforms, Prasar Bharati and Sh. Sunil Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, DoT.