Prasar Bharati

What Prasar Bharati does

Prasar Bharati is India's autonomous statutory public service broadcaster, established by the Prasar Bharati Act of 1997 and operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It runs two flagship broadcast networks — Doordarshan (television) and Akashvani/All India Radio — reaching 92% of India's population through 23 languages and 182 dialects via terrestrial, satellite, FM/AM and digital transmission. The core product portfolio includes six national TV channels (DD National, DD News, DD India, DD Sports, DD Kisan, DD Urdu/DD Bharti), 25 regional satellite channels, the All India Radio network including Vividh Bharati, and the free-to-air DD Free Dish DTH service.

The broadcaster's technology stack spans traditional broadcast infrastructure and emerging digital platforms. WAVES OTT, launched in 2024, is an ad-supported streaming platform with 15-language content that surpassed 80 lakh downloads in its first year and integrated into Indian Railways' RailOne app serving 2.3 crore daily passengers. Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, developed with IIT Kanpur and Tejas Networks, successfully cleared laboratory and field tests in June 2026, enabling TV, emergency alerts and data delivery to mobile devices without internet. AI-driven capabilities are being piloted through the MIB AI Hub and the BhashaSetu and Kalaa Setu multilingual translation and dubbing services.

Prasar Bharati's revenue model combines government budget allocation (Rs 2,291.88 crore in Union Budget FY 2026-27 covering salaries, pensions and operations), commercial advertising across DD and AIR, emerging OTT revenue on WAVES (ad-supported plus watch-time-based creator payouts), the Content Syndication Policy 2025 (SVOD/TVOD/licensing structures), B2G program sponsorships (IEPFA, SIDBI, AIFF), and real estate monetization including the approved 150-acre Integrated Film and Television Media Hub in Mumbai on AIR-owned land. The broadcaster serves India's general population as its primary audience plus four secondary segments: digital content creators (via Creator's Corner and MyWAVES), rural and agricultural communities (via DD Kisan and AIR's FM network in remote areas), and MSMEs (via the SIDBI co-produced MSME Samvaad programme). Customer engagement channels span free-to-air television and radio, DD Free Dish, WAVES OTT, mobile apps, social media and embedded integrations on RailOne.

Name

Prasar Bharati

Legal name

Prasar Bharati

Website

https://prasarbharati.gov.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Prasar Bharati is India's autonomous statutory public service broadcaster, operating Doordarshan television and Akashvani radio networks that reach 92% of India's population across 23 languages, supplemented by the DD Free Dish DTH service and the WAVES OTT streaming platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Broadcasting Services

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Broadcasting Content Distribution & Interconnection (Sat/IP feeds) (MPABADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

National Public Radio Networks & Member Stations (NPR-style) (MPABADAB), Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Network/Studio Streaming Channels (MPABAHAG), International/Multilingual Streaming Channels (MPABAHAI), Digital Radio Broadcasting (DAB/DAB+, HD Radio) (MPAIAEAD), Satellite Video & Media Distribution (DTH, Contribution/Distribution, Occasional Use) (HDAIAJAG)

Keywords

• Public broadcasting services
• Television broadcasting network
• Radio broadcasting services
• Over-the-top streaming
• Free-to-air DTH

Headquarters

HQ city

New Delhi

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Advertising Revenue: Commercial advertising on Doordarshan TV channels and All India Radio stations across national and regional markets.
2. OTT Platform Revenue: WAVES OTT platform operates primarily on an advertising revenue model, with pay-per-view content sourcing framework introduced for content creators.
3. Government Funding: Annual government allocation for operational expenses including salaries and pensions. Union Budget 2026-27 allocated Rs 2,291.88 crore for Prasar Bharati.
4. Real Estate Development: Joint development projects such as the Integrated Film and Television Media Hub in Mumbai on 150 acres of AIR-owned land.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Prasar Bharati operates India's public broadcasting network through Doordarshan television (national and 15+ regional channels) and Akashvani/All India Radio (FM/AM reaching 92% of India's population across 23 languages and 182 dialects). It delivers free-to-air content via DD Free Dish DTH service and the WAVES OTT streaming platform, providing news, entertainment, educational, agricultural, and cultural programming to mass audiences across India.

Product overview

Prasar Bharati operates as India's public service broadcaster with a multi-platform architecture comprising Doordarshan (television) and Akashvani/All India Radio (radio). The core television network includes national channels (DD National, DD News, DD India, DD Sports, DD Kisan, DD Urdu, DD Bharti) and 25 regional satellite channels serving specific states and languages. The radio network reaches 92% of India's population through 23 languages and 182 dialects via FM, AM, and digital streaming. Digital initiatives include the WAVES OTT platform for streaming video content, the MyWAVES citizen creator platform, Creator's Corner on DD News, and emerging Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting technology. The broadcaster also operates DD Free Dish, a free-to-air DTH service, and has launched AI-powered initiatives including BhashaSetu for multilingual translation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WAVES OTT: Over-the-top streaming platform launched by Prasar Bharati offering live TV, movies, radio stations, and original content in 15 Indian languages, with over 80 lakh downloads in its first year.
• Creator's Corner

Products and services

• WAVES OTT India's public broadcaster-owned OTT streaming platform offering Live TV, Akashvani radio, movies, and on-demand content across 15 Indian languages. Operates on an advertising revenue model with watch-time-based payout models for content creators.
• DD News National 24-hour news television channel operated by Prasar Bharati, providing comprehensive coverage of national and international news with a focus on balanced and objective journalism.
• DD National India's oldest and most-watched free-to-air satellite television channel, serving as the primary national channel of Doordarshan with entertainment, news, and educational programming.
• DD India International satellite channel of Doordarshan broadcasting Indian content globally, presenting news, culture, and entertainment programming for the Indian diaspora and international audiences.
• DD Sports Sports channel of Doordarshan broadcasting sporting events including football, cricket, and other national and international sports. Secured broadcast rights for Indian Football League 2025-26 and FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
• DD Kisan Dedicated agricultural channel of Doordarshan focusing on farming-related content, agricultural news, weather updates, and rural development programs for India's farming community.
• Akashvani (All India Radio) National public service radio broadcaster operating across 23 languages and 182 dialects, reaching 92% of India's population through FM, AM, and digital streaming services.
• DD Free Dish Free-to-air direct-to-home (DTH) service operated by Prasar Bharati, providing free television channels to viewers without subscription costs. Recently upgraded with built-in satellite tuners.
• Regional Doordarshan Channels Network of regional satellite channels including DD Bangla, DD Bihar, DD Chandana (Kannada), DD Girnar (Gujarati), DD Madhya Pradesh, DD Malayalam, DD North East, DD Oriya, DD Podhigai (Tamil), DD Punjabi, DD Rajasthan, DD Sahyadri (Marathi), DD Saptagiri (Telugu), DD Uttar Pradesh, DD Yadagiri (Telugu), DD Kashir (Kashmiri), DD Arunprabha (Arunachal Pradesh), and DD Bharti, each serving their respective state and regional audiences with local content, news, and entertainment.
• NewsOnAIR App Mobile application for listening to All India Radio stations, providing access to news broadcasts and radio content on mobile devices. Available on Google Play and App Store.
• Vividh Bharati Popular film and entertainment service of All India Radio, broadcasting film songs, film news, and entertainment content across AIR stations nationwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaches 92% of India's population through All India Radio
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Maharashtra Government and Film CitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026Approved project to develop an Integrated Film and Television Media Hub in Mumbai on 150 acres of land owned by All India Radio (Prasar Bharati). Includes media facilities such as film studios, sound stages, training centers, and tourism development with plans for collaboration with international educational institutions.
• IEPFA (Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026MoU signed to deploy investor awareness scroll messages on Doordarshan's national and regional channels. Initiative aims to provide guidance on reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares transferred to IEPFA, as well as fraud prevention and safe investing practices targeting remote and underserved regions.
• SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2026Launched 'MSME Samvaad', a television programme in collaboration with Prasar Bharati to provide practical business insights and expert guidance to MSMEs across India. Programme airs every second and fourth Saturday on Doordarshan National and regional channels.
• Google and YouTubecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Government launched national AI skilling program in collaboration with Google and YouTube as part of initiatives to enhance India's media, broadcasting, and digital sectors.
• Zee5, Eros Now, Lionsgate Play, Klikk, Shucae FilmscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 December 2025WAVES OTT platform licensed content from partners including Zee5, Eros Now, Lionsgate Play, Klikk, and Shucae Films as part of its content library expansion strategy.
• CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems)coreTechnology or Integration · 10 December 2025WAVES OTT partnered with CRIS to integrate its content library into the RailOne app, Indian Railways' official passenger services platform. Enables approximately 2.3 crore daily railway passengers to access Live TV, Akashvani radio, movies, and other content across 15 Indian languages during their journeys.
• RT India / TV-NovostiminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Addendum to pre-existing pact between Prasar Bharati and TV-Novosti signed during Russia-India Business Forum alongside launch of RT India studio.
• IIT Kanpur and Tejas NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationD2M technology trials conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Tejas Networks (Tata group) to develop Direct-to-Mobile broadcasting technology. Tests evaluated spectrum usage in 470-582 MHz frequency band.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Zee Entertainment Enterprises: One of India's largest private TV broadcasters and OTT operators (Zee5), competing directly with Doordarshan for Hindi and regional-language audiences and advertisers across India.
• Disney Star (Star India): Operates Star Plus, Star Sports, and Disney+ Hotstar — the dominant private competitor in Indian television and premium sports rights, directly contesting Doordarshan for advertisers and viewers.
• Sony Pictures Networks India: Operates Sony TV, SET, and SonyLIV; competes with Doordarshan in Hindi/general entertainment television and OTT streaming across India.
• Sun TV Network: India's largest regional broadcaster with dominant Tamil-language market share; comparable to Doordarshan's regional-language channel portfolio in scale and audience focus.
• JioCinema (Viacom18 / Reliance): Major Indian OTT platform streaming movies, originals, and live sports; competes directly with WAVES OTT for digital audiences and ad budgets.
• Netflix India: Global SVOD leader with a growing India-focused content slate; competes with WAVES OTT for premium digital viewers and creator attention.
• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): US public broadcaster with PBS Kids, PBS Video app, and member-station model — directly comparable to Doordarshan's public-service mandate, educational programming, and station network.

Broad incumbents

• BBC: UK public service broadcaster operating BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sounds — the closest international analogue to Prasar Bharati's mandate-driven, publicly-funded multi-platform model.
• NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation): Japan's national public broadcaster operating TV, radio, and NHK Plus streaming — comparable scale and mandate to Prasar Bharati as a multi-platform public service broadcaster.

Others

• All India Radio (AIR): Wholly-owned subsidiary/operating division of Prasar Bharati itself (not an external peer); included only because it is the radio counterpart to Doordarshan and reinforces the multi-platform structure but is not an independent comparator.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/DDNewsLive
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ddnewsofficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/DDNews
• Instagraminstagram.com/ddnews_official
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/prasar-bharati

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Prasar Bharati