New Delhi: Prasar Bharati has invited applications from private TV broadcasters for the allotment of vacant MPEG-2 slots on its DD Free Dish DTH platform for the period from August 29, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The allocation will be conducted through the 90th online e-auction, scheduled to begin on August 20.
The process will follow the E-auction Methodology 2025 for Allotment of DD Free Dish Slots to Private TV Channels, notified earlier this year. Participation is open to satellite channels licensed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as well as international public broadcasters authorised by the Ministry.
Genre & Language Compliance Rules
Broadcasters must furnish proof of genre and language classification, with “predominantly” defined as at least 75% of telecast content in the declared category, excluding permitted advertisements. This genre-language content must constitute a minimum of 60% of the channel’s total monthly programming. Non-compliance can invite penalties, including discontinuation of slots, if corrections are not made within the stipulated time.
Round-wise Reserve Prices & Eligibility
Prasar Bharati has released the round-wise starting reserve prices for this mid-year e-auction:
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Round 1: Rs 9.60 crore — Buckets A Plus, A, B, C, D, R
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Round 2: Rs 7.65 crore — All buckets except A Plus
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Round 3: Rs 6.50 crore — Buckets B, C, D, R
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Round 4: Rs 4.80 crore — Buckets C, D, R
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Round 5: Rs 4.15 crore — Buckets D, R
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Round 6: Rs 1.76 crore — Only Bucket R
Applications must be submitted by August 18, 2025, along with all required documentation in the prescribed format to avoid rejection.
Channel Classification by Buckets
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A Plus: Hindi and Urdu GEC channels
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A: Hindi and Urdu movie channels
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B: Hindi/Urdu music and sports channels, Bhojpuri channels, and other Hindi/Urdu genres
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C: Hindi and Urdu news and current affairs channels
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D: Devotional, spiritual, Ayush, Marathi and Punjabi genres; English news/current affairs; regional languages except Hindi/Urdu
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R: Other regional language channels (as per Schedule 8 of the Constitution) excluding Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, Punjabi; must be operational and available on at least one private DTH or DD Free Dish/MSO
With reserve prices tiered across six rounds and strict compliance requirements, the upcoming auction is expected to attract both returning and new entrants aiming to secure valuable DD Free Dish visibility in the crucial festive and year-end advertising period.
