New Delhi: Prasar Bharati, the public broadcaster of India, has announced significant updates to its auction policy for the DD Free Dish platform. The revised guidelines aim to enhance the viewing experience for subscribers by incorporating High-Definition (HD) channels and prioritizing public service broadcasting.
The updated policy, titled “e-Auction Methodology for Allotment of Slots on DD Free Dish Platform 2025,” introduces a dedicated reserve price of Rs 80 lakh per annum for HD channels. The auction process will also include specific slot reservations for public interest and public service genres, giving preference to regional languages, underserved communities, and public service broadcasters. This move aims to ensure a diverse and inclusive channel lineup on the platform.
Furthermore, the policy allows for the inclusion of foreign public service broadcasters through strategic partnerships, further enriching the content offerings for viewers. To encourage long-term participation, channels with a consistent presence in the platform’s R1 category will have the opportunity to be escalated to the D bucket.
ALSO READ: Siddharth Dabhade Joins Lemma as CBO, Performance Biz
The revised guidelines also emphasize content quality by introducing a 75% alignment rule, requiring channels to adhere to the genre and language declared during the application process. While the core framework of the 2023 policy remains largely unchanged, the 2025 version incorporates these key enhancements to modernize the DD Free Dish platform and cater to the evolving needs of its audience.
Successful bidders will be required to comply with specific guidelines, including submitting an undertaking and an Integrity Pact. Any changes to a channel’s name or logo will require prior approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Additionally, channels are responsible for setting up their own IRD Box at the designated DTH Earth Station in New Delhi for signal reception.
These policy updates reflect Prasar Bharati’s commitment to improving the quality and diversity of content available on DD Free Dish, making it a more attractive and engaging platform for viewers across India.
