Prasar Bharati Honoured at 11th BCS Ratna Awards; WAVES OTT Wins ‘Best Debut OTT Platform’
Prasar Bharati, India’s public service broadcaster, was honoured with three prestigious recognitions at the JioStar 11th BCS Ratna Awards held at Le Meridien, New Delhi, reaffirming its legacy, scale, and innovation in the country’s media landscape. The organisation received three accolades including those of Legacy Broadcaster of the Nation for Doordarshan, Largest Subscriber Base DTH Player for DD Free Dish, and Best Debut OTT Platform for WAVES OTT.
These honours reflect Prasar Bharati’s continued goal of contributing to the nation’s broadcasting history and its dynamic transformation in the digital era. The recognition of WAVES OTT as the Best Debut OTT Platform underscores how the service is reshaping India’s streaming space by combining free, inclusive access with high-quality programming across entertainment, sports, culture, education, and news in 12+ languages. In less than a year since its launch, WAVES OTT has positioned itself as a modern extension of the public broadcaster’s mission, bringing credible, culturally rich, and nationally unifying content to audiences from metropolitan hubs to the most remote corners of the country.
With Independence Day around the corner, the win resonates even more deeply, symbolising the broadcaster’s continued commitment to serving the nation in the spirit of unity, accessibility, and public service. From live streaming India’s heritage and national celebrations to delivering global sporting action and contemporary entertainment, WAVES OTT blends tradition with technology to connect citizens and strengthen the cultural fabric of India.
Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO, Prasar Bharati, said, “These awards are a testament to Prasar Bharati’s journey of evolution honouring our heritage while embracing the future. Doordarshan and DD Free Dish continue to be household names, and WAVES OTT is carrying forward that trust into the digital era. As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, our mission remains the same to inform, educate, entertain, and inspire every Indian, everywhere.”
Presented by JioStar and powered by NDTV and Z, the 11th BCS Ratna Awards brought together leaders from across the broadcast and digital media ecosystem to celebrate excellence and innovation. WAVES OTT, launched in 2024, has already gained a loyal following with its integrated offering of live TV, radio, films, documentaries, sports, magazines, and e-books, available free via mobile app, web, and smart TVs, making it one of the most inclusive and accessible digital platforms in the country.