Prasar Bharti Enters OTT Market, Launching Services on 20th November

In a significant move to compete with global OTT giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Prasar Bharti is set to launch its own OTT platform on 20th November. This was officially confirmed by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at the recent India Game Developers Conference in Hyderabad.

Prasar Bharti OTT Features:

The new OTT service will offer 60 channels that are currently available on Doordarshan Free Dish, marking a major step for the government-run media organization in its digital expansion. Viewers will be able to stream a variety of content including old movies, all-time hit TV programs, and a wealth of content from India’s public service broadcaster. These features set Prasar Bharti’s platform apart from the existing private OTT services, as it brings both classic content and public broadcasting programs under one roof.

The OTT launch will coincide with the International Film Festival of India, which begins on 20th November, giving the platform an ideal stage for debut. This marks a new chapter in India’s digital entertainment sector, as Prasar Bharti seeks to cater to a diverse range of viewers across the country.

Expansion into Gaming and Audio-Visual Content:

In addition to launching the OTT service, Sanjay Jaju shared other important developments in the entertainment sector. He mentioned the upcoming World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), scheduled for February 5–9, 2025, where global and local entertainment experts will converge.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is also focused on expanding the reach of private FM radio stations. The government will soon be auctioning 237 private FM radio channels in towns with populations under one lakh, ensuring access to local radio stations even in more remote areas such as Adilabad.

India’s Growing Digital and Gaming Presence:

Additionally, the Union Minister highlighted the importance of skill development in the field of video gaming. Through the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, India is poised to become a global leader in the gaming industry, with the institute being developed as a National Center of Excellence to nurture talent in this booming sector.

Prasar Bharti’s entrance into the OTT arena marks a new phase of competition and digital transformation for Indian media. With plans to expand into multiple areas of digital content and services, India is positioning itself as a powerful player in the global entertainment and media market.