Prasar Bharati has invited applications for the allotment of vacant MPEG-2 slots on its Doordarshan Free Dish direct-to-home platform through the 100th e-auction, with the slots to be allotted for the period July 2026 to March 31, 2027 on a pro-rata basis.

In a notice posted on its website yesterday, the public broadcaster said applications from eligible satellite television channels have to be submitted within the prescribed schedule as part of the auction process.

The notification said the e-auction will be conducted for vacant MPEG-2 slots available on the DD Free Dish platform. Eligible private satellite TV channels, who have permission from the government to operate, will have to participate in the online bidding process in accordance with the prescribed methodology, with successful bidders being allotted slots for the remaining period of the current operational cycle.

Prasar Bharati specified reserve prices for different channel categories, with bidding to commence from the reserve price applicable to the respective bucket.

For example, the reserve price for Bucket A+, which is for Hindi and Urdu GECs, being the highest at Rs. 11, 21,92,000. However, past trends have shown that bidding in Bucket C, meant for news channels, has been strident and aggressive.

The notice details separate reserve prices for various genres and language categories, and says bids will be accepted through the designated online e-auction platform in accordance with the notified procedure.

The auction will proceed in accordance with the prescribed bucket-wise methodology for allotment of vacant MPEG-2 slots.

The notification also sets out exclusions from the auction process. Channels that are not permitted under the notified eligibility conditions, including those falling under the specified ineligible categories or failing to comply with the documentation and other requirements laid down by Prasar Bharati, will not be allowed to participate.