Prasar Bharati Invites Applications for Channels on Upcoming OTT Platform
In a significant move to expand its digital footprint, Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, has announced an invitation for TV broadcasters to stream their linear TV channels on its soon-to-be-launched over-the-top (OTT) platform. This initiative aims to provide a diverse range of content to viewers while promoting Indian values and knowledge through family-friendly programming.
Key Details of the Invitation
Prasar Bharati’s new OTT platform is set to launch this month, and the broadcaster is seeking applications from TV channels licensed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for downlinking and distribution throughout India. Interested broadcasters must submit their applications by August 12, 2024.
The OTT platform will categorize TV channels into four groups based on language and genre:
English news channels
Hindi news channels
Non-news channels (all languages)
Non-news channels (regional)
Revenue Sharing Model
One of the notable aspects of this initiative is the proposed revenue-sharing model. Prasar Bharati has outlined a 65:35 revenue split, with 65% of the net revenue from advertisements going to the TV channels and the remaining 35% retained by Prasar Bharati. This model is designed to ensure a fair distribution of earnings while covering the costs incurred by Prasar Bharati for transcoding, content delivery network (CDN) services, and ad agency commissions.
Technical Requirements
Broadcasters wishing to participate must provide an SCTE-35/ad marker-enabled feed of their channels. This technology is essential for signaling the start and end times of advertisement breaks, allowing Prasar Bharati to insert ads seamlessly into the OTT stream. Any unsold commercial time will be utilized for promoting Prasar Bharati and its partner channels.
Selection Criteria
The selection of channels will be based on the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) rate card. Channels with the highest DAVP rates in their respective categories will be given priority for placement on the OTT platform. Successful applicants will receive a letter of allotment and must sign an agreement within 15 days of receiving it.
Conclusion
Prasar Bharati’s initiative to onboard private satellite TV channels onto its OTT platform marks a significant step towards enhancing the digital content landscape in India. By offering a diverse range of channels and a fair revenue-sharing model, Prasar Bharati aims to create a robust platform that caters to the varied tastes and preferences of Indian viewers.
This move not only underscores Prasar Bharati’s commitment to digital innovation but also provides an excellent opportunity for broadcasters to reach a wider audience through a trusted and established public service broadcaster.