The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, February 6, 2026 : Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has adopted a digital-first content strategy, with its WAVES OTT platform and a Pay-Per-View framework emerging as key drivers of the transition from traditional broadcasting to digital content distribution, particularly among younger audiences.
The content for Akashvani, Doordarshan channels and the WAVES OTT platform is being sourced under Prasar Bharati’s Content Sourcing Policy, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed Parliament. The Pay-Per-View framework, launched in 2025, enables content acquisition specifically for digital and OTT platforms, including WAVES, reflecting a strategic shift away from conventional television and radio-centric models.
According to the government, this approach has helped Prasar Bharati expand its digital footprint and tailor programming to evolving viewer preferences, especially among youth who increasingly consume content on on-demand platforms rather than linear broadcast media.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has also notified that all television sets sold in India must now be equipped with built-in satellite tuners. In view of this development, the government has decided not to pursue the proposal for distribution of Doordarshan Free Dish set-top boxes.
On the human resource front, the government informed the Rajya Sabha that there are 1,994 vacancies in Doordarshan and 1,636 vacancies in All India Radio Kendras (Akashvani) in the North Eastern region.
Additionally, Prasar Bharati has engaged an expert agency to improve monetisation of its land assets, as part of efforts to optimise resource utilisation and generate additional revenue streams.
The information was provided by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, in a written reply to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray.
No Comments: