iWorld
Prasar Bharati’s Waves OTT now on Jio Stores, expanding Indian content access
MUMBAI: In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where skyscrapers narrate tales of ambition, one name consistently towers above the rest—Mukesh Ambani.
The maestro of business expansion has struck again, this time joining forces with Prasar Bharati, India’s cherished custodian of cultural narratives.
In a move that seamlessly blends legacy with technology, the public broadcaster’s OTT platform, Waves, now graces the Jio Store shelves, promising a cinematic journey through India’s heart and heritage.
Imagine the allure: archives of Doordarshan’s golden era, the timeless melodies of All India Radio, and an array of fresh originals—all a tap away for millions of Jio users. This partnership isn’t just about streaming content; it’s a bridge connecting India’s storied past with its digital future, hand-delivered by Ambani’s ever-expanding empire.
Is there a realm Mukesh Ambani doesn’t touch? It seems unlikely, as Jio continues to rewire how India consumes entertainment, one milestone at a time.
Since its launch, Waves has rapidly garnered attention, amassing over one million downloads and positioning itself as a premier destination for Indian audiences. With this collaboration, Waves takes a strategic leap to become accessible across all Jio devices, leveraging the telecom giant’s expansive reach and connectivity.
Imagine how India’s rich cultural tapestry can now reach every corner of the nation? With Waves on Jio Stores.
Waves offers something for everyone:
. Original Content: Explore new fiction and non-fiction programming.
. Legacy Programming: Rediscover classic shows from Doordarshan archives.
. Live Events: Stream real-time happenings from across the nation.
. Gaming and E-Commerce: A unique blend of entertainment and interaction.
. Nostalgia Features: Enjoy photo albums and magazines highlighting India’s heritage.
This diverse lineup ensures that Waves caters to audiences of all ages and preferences. As the platform grows, its popularity underscores a collective demand for authentic Indian storytelling.
Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi expressed his optimism about this partnership, “We are thrilled to take Waves to the next level by making it available to Jio users. The platform has already received a fantastic response, and with Jio’s vast subscriber base, we are excited to introduce our diverse and compelling content, which includes – Nostalgia, Live Channels, Magazines, Photo Albums, etc., to even more homes.”
A Jio spokesperson added, “We are excited to partner with Prasar Bharati to offer Waves to our users. This partnership offers a wider content offering to audiences at large and ensures that they are able to choose from the best.”
Why does this partnership even matter?
The inclusion of Waves on Jio Stores signifies a blending of modern technology with the cultural essence of India. It underscores Prasar Bharati’s mission to preserve India’s heritage while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences.
From classic TV dramas to innovative new content, Waves aims to deliver a robust digital entertainment experience that celebrates India’s diversity.
Are you ready to surf India’s cultural treasures with Waves?
iWorld
Netflix cuts jobs in product division amid restructuring
Layoffs hit creative studio unit as leadership and strategy shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: The streaming wars may be fought on screen, but the latest plot twist is unfolding behind the scenes. Netflix has reportedly begun laying off several dozen employees from its product division as part of an internal reorganisation, according to a report by Variety. The cuts are believed to have primarily affected the company’s creative studio unit, which works on marketing assets such as in app trailers, promotional visuals and live experience content for the streaming platform.
The company has not disclosed the exact number of employees impacted.
According to the report, the layoffs were not tied to employee performance. Instead, the restructuring eliminated certain roles while other employees were reassigned to different teams within the organisation.
The roles affected are understood to include designers, producers and creative specialists responsible for marketing and brand experience initiatives.
The job cuts come as Netflix adjusts its leadership structure and reshapes its product and creative teams. Last month, Elizabeth Stone was promoted from chief technology officer to chief product and technology officer, giving her oversight of product, engineering and data operations across the company.
Earlier, in December 2025, Netflix also appointed Martin Rose as head of creative for global brand and partnerships, a move seen as part of a broader restructuring of the company’s brand and product functions.
Despite the layoffs, Netflix remains one of the largest employers in the streaming sector. The company is estimated to employ around 16,000 people globally, with roughly 70 percent of its workforce based in the United States and Canada. In 2023, the company reported approximately 13,000 employees, indicating that its headcount had grown significantly before the latest restructuring.
The workforce changes arrive at a time when Netflix is navigating a shifting financial and strategic landscape in the global entertainment industry.
The streaming giant recently secured $2.8 billion in additional cash after receiving a breakup fee from Paramount Skydance following its withdrawal from a deal involving Warner Bros. Discovery.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Netflix co chief executive Ted Sarandos explained that the company had evaluated multiple scenarios during the negotiations but chose not to match the competing offer once it learned that a higher bid had been submitted.
Netflix had capped its offer at $27.75 per share and ultimately stepped back rather than pursue Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition deal, which included a personal guarantee.
Sarandos also cautioned that the financing structure behind the Paramount Skydance transaction could have ripple effects across the entertainment industry.
According to him, the debt heavy deal could trigger significant cost cutting, with David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance, expected to eliminate about $16 billion in costs and potentially cut thousands of jobs as part of the integration process.
For Netflix, the current restructuring appears to be part of a broader attempt to streamline operations while continuing to invest in product, technology and global content even as the streaming industry enters a new phase of consolidation and financial discipline.
