Prasar Bharati Allows HD Channels To Participate In Revised DD Free Dish Auction

For DD Free Dish slots, Prasar Bharati has updated its e-auction guidelines. It is now possible for high-definition (HD) channels to bid. The e-auction of MPEG-4 slots for private HD channels has a reserve price of Rs 80 lakhs, with a one-lakh escalation for the second slot. MPEG-4 slots will be equal to 40 SD, instead of the previous 11–12 slots.

The e-auction procedure for MPEG-4 slots will be conducted bucket-wise, one slot at a time, following Prasar Bharati's e-Auction Methodology for Slot Allocation on DD Free Dish Platform 2025. Two HD slots, or the number of applications submitted, whichever is lower, will be up for e-auction for HD channels. Only HD channels that qualify can place bids.

It's interesting to note that the revised technique for the open round for regional channels specifies that the open round e-auction will be held for two slots plus any unfilled slots, if any, following the completion of the e-auction for R1, R2, and R3 buckets. The round is open to all eligible unsuccessful bidders of buckets R1, R2, and R3, as well as channels of these languages that have not yet been launched or have been relaunched.

Only satellite TV channels that have been approved or licensed by the MIB for downlinking or distribution in India by applicable regulations are eligible to be shown on DD Free Dish, according to the eligibility requirements for channel providers taking part in the e-auction.

E-auction participation is also open to international public broadcasters who are authorised by applicable regulations. For MPEG-2 slots, the participation price is Rs 1.50 crore, while for MPEG-4 slots, it is Rs 3 lakhs.