It’s been months since Prasar Bharati is readying itself to launch its OTT platform.
But the big TV networks have decided not to join. It is almost like a boycott by the Big 4.
Even though the government offered an attractive revenue-sharing deal, where broadcasters could earn 65% of the ad money, these networks decided not to participate instead.
They want to have more control over their content and make more money through their own systems.
However, the new platform has caught the interest of smaller broadcasters. Out of 106 channels that applied, 44 were selected, and 40 of them have already agreed to be part of the platform.
They can offer news, regional programs, music, and movies. They were chosen after various filters.
Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform is different from private ones because it doesn’t force broadcasters to sell channels in packages. Instead, it gives viewers the freedom to watch whatever content is available without paying for bundles.
A senior official explained that many channels already stream their content online through platforms like YouTube and their own websites, so joining the Freedish OTT would just make it easier for viewers to find everything in one place.
While it’s true that bigger networks didn’t join, smaller broadcasters see this as a great opportunity to reach more people. The platform’s success will depend on how many viewers it can attract and the ad revenue it generates. Prasar Bharati is expected to announce the launch date of its OTT platform soon. Let’s see what it does.
Because without any content from the Big 4, it would be very hard for the platform to leave any impact.