The power of OTT is very evident and now that even Govt channels are taking notice of it, it is indeed a big deal. Prasar Bharati has set its sights on launching an OTT platform in collaboration with industry leaders. This ambitious project is anticipated to become a reality in the near future.
Prasar Bharati has tinvited e-tenders from renowned Indian bidders to select a master system integrator for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining the OTT platform. With bids set to open on November 1, the estimated contract value stands at ₹166 crore, with the contracted works expected to span over 60 months.
As per the Notice Inviting Open e-Tender, this platform is slated to be ready for action early next year. So, if everything goes as planned, we will see Prasar Bharati’s OTT in 2024.
Talking about the content, it will be including valuable material from Doordarshan’s archives, syndicated works, and fresh programs currently broadcast on its channels.
Over recent months, Prasar Bharati has witnessed a substantial increase in viewership, thanks to new programs spanning various genres and fresh films being introduced. This promising content lineup holds the potential to captivate audiences with diverse tastes.
Prasar Bharati is also exploring the possibility of entering into content-sharing agreements with other renowned OTT platforms, aiming to maximize its outreach.
In January, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs granted approval for the “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)” scheme, allocating ₹2,539.61 crore for Prasar Bharati’s infrastructure development until 2025-26. This financial infusion has set the stage for further upgrades and expansions of the public service broadcaster’s operations.
Under the BIND scheme, Prasar Bharati aims to distribute over eight lakh free DD DTH receiver sets and is set to expand from 116 to approximately 250 channels.
Prasar Bharati will be a force to be reckoned with in terms of archive content, let’s see what happens.