New Delhi: Prasar Bharati has invited applications for the 87th e-auction of vacant MPEG-2 slots on DD Free Dish, scheduled to begin from May 20, 2025, and run through March 31, 2026. The auction process is tentatively set for May 13, 2025.
Open to private satellite television channels, the auction will be conducted under the existing Phase-III policy guidelines, which aim to enhance the accessibility and reach of diverse content across India. The auction round is expected to draw strong interest from regional broadcasters and emerging networks seeking a national footprint via DD Free Dish.
To participate, eligible channels must submit a participation fee of ₹1.5 crore and a non-refundable processing fee of ₹25,000 along with their applications.
The Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) lays down detailed eligibility norms. Channels must submit valid downlinking/uplinking permissions, specify their genre and language classification, and provide proposed content schedules. Additionally, an undertaking is required to ensure that at least 75% of programming remains within the declared genre and language (excluding advertisements and promos).
For channels not yet operational, documentation indicating intent to launch and relevant proposed programming details must be submitted.
The process also includes the signing of an Integrity Pact, underscoring Prasar Bharati’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. The auction will be overseen by independent external monitors, appointed in consultation with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), to ensure transparency and ethical compliance.
