New Delhi: Prasar Bharati has issued a notification inviting applications for the 98th e-auction of vacant MPEG-2 slots on DD Free Dish, scheduled to be held on May 21, 2026, for the allotment period extending from May 29, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
The move is part of the public broadcaster’s continued efforts to monetise capacity on India’s largest free-to-air (FTA) DTH platform, which remains a critical distribution avenue for broadcasters targeting mass and rural audiences.
Higher Entry Bar with Premium Reserve Prices
The notification outlines a structured bucket-based pricing system, with starting reserve prices going up to ₹13.66 crore for GEC channels (Bucket A+), followed by ₹10.97 crore for movie channels (Bucket A), ₹8.57 crore for Bucket B, ₹6.85 crore for Bucket C, and ₹5.92 crore for Bucket D.
These pricing benchmarks reflect sustained demand for DD Free Dish slots, particularly among Hindi GEC and movie channels that derive significant reach and advertising value from the platform.
Reinforced Genre and Language Compliance
In a notable regulatory reinforcement, Prasar Bharati has tightened content compliance norms. Broadcasters must ensure that at least 75% of their telecast content aligns with the declared genre and language, with a minimum threshold of 60% across a monthly cycle.
Non-compliance could trigger show-cause notices, forced genre reclassification, or even discontinuation from the platform, signalling a stricter monitoring regime.
Eligibility and Participation Framework
Participation remains restricted to satellite TV channels licensed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, including eligible international public broadcasters. The categorisation of channels into buckets—ranging from Hindi/Urdu GEC and movies to regional, devotional, and news genres—continues to shape bidding dynamics.
Broadcasters are also required to submit detailed documentation, including undertakings, authorised representative details, and an integrity pact, along with proof of payment.
Fee Structure and Financial Commitments
Applicants must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹26,000 and a participation fee of ₹1.5 crore, payable via RTGS or demand draft.
Post-auction, successful bidders will receive a Letter of Allotment and must adhere to a defined payment schedule. Delays in payment will attract interest at 14.5% per annum, while failure to meet deadlines could lead to forfeiture of fees and removal from the platform.
Tight Timelines and Operational Mandates
The deadline for submission of applications and participation fees is May 18, 2026 (3:00 PM).
Winning broadcasters must sign an agreement within 15 days of allotment and ensure timely channel launch. Failure to operationalise the channel within the stipulated timeframe may result in automatic cancellation of the slot and forfeiture of payments.
Strategic Significance for Broadcasters
The latest auction underscores DD Free Dish’s continued relevance in India’s television ecosystem, especially in Tier II, Tier III, and rural markets where free-to-air consumption remains high. For broadcasters, securing a slot offers unmatched reach without carriage fees typical of pay-TV platforms, but at increasingly competitive upfront costs.
At the same time, stricter compliance norms and financial commitments indicate Prasar Bharati’s intent to balance revenue maximisation with content discipline on the platform.
Outlook
With rising reserve prices and tightening rules, the 98th e-auction is expected to see intense competition among Hindi entertainment and movie channels, alongside growing interest from regional broadcasters seeking scale.
As DD Free Dish continues to evolve as a mass-reach platform, the outcome of this auction will be closely watched for signals on pricing trends, genre demand, and the broader health of India’s FTA broadcasting market.
