Prasar Bharati has introduced a revised Pay-Per-View (PPV) content sourcing policy for its WAVES OTT platform, transitioning from a view-based payout system to a streaming-minutes model.
Approved at the organisation’s 194th board meeting, the new framework aligns payouts with actual user consumption, reflecting broader industry practices that prioritise engagement over reach.
Under the revised policy, streaming minutes will be the primary metric for payouts, defined as the actual duration of content viewed by users. The calculation excludes buffering time, auto-play, idle playback, background activity, and any system-generated interactions. Measurement will be carried out through the WAVES Analytics System, which will serve as the sole source of truth.
The updated policy will be integrated into the existing Content Sourcing Policy, 2024, and will come into effect immediately. Content already onboarded under the PPV Pilot Framework 2025–26 will have a one-time option to migrate to the new system.
Payouts will follow a structured sequence, beginning with a base calculation and post-initial adjustments, followed by the application of multipliers across primary rights, territory and platform.
Payments will be calculated on a monthly basis, incorporating total streaming minutes, base rates and applicable multipliers. Content partners will receive periodic performance reports to ensure transparency and enable reconciliation.
The policy also outlines a minimum licensing period of one year, with rights extending to digital streaming, public exhibition and promotional use. Additionally, linear broadcast rights will allow content to be aired on Doordarshan channels and DTH platforms such as DD Free Dish without limits on telecasts or additional payouts.
Currently, the platform operates on a platform-funded model without a consumer paywall, although the organisation has retained the flexibility to introduce paid access models in the future.
All content will be subject to technical quality checks, rights verification and legal compliance. The policy also includes safeguards against fraudulent practices, with provisions for suspension of payouts and content removal in case of metric manipulation.
A committee constituted by the CEO of Prasar Bharati will oversee ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the policy’s performance, financial outcomes and overall effectiveness.
