The Prasar Bharati-backed DD Free Dish platform has concluded its 88th e-auction for MPEG-4 slots, bringing five more channels onboard for the upcoming allotment period. The new slots, secured through a competitive bidding process, are valid from June 13, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

According to DD FreeDish, the following channels emerged successful: Dabangg, Sandesh News, Punjabi Hits, Argus, and Tabbar Hits. These additions are expected to expand both the regional and entertainment offerings available to millions of DD Free Dish users across India.

DD Free Dish, India’s only free-to-air DTH platform operated by Prasar Bharati, holds frequent e-auctions to allot available MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 slots to broadcasters. The MPEG-4 category, in particular, provides improved video quality and spectrum efficiency, and is accessible on MPEG-4 compatible set-top boxes.

Channels like Dabangg and Tabbar Hits will cater to the Hindi-speaking belt with general entertainment content, while Punjabi Hits continues to strengthen regional music offerings. News channel Sandesh News will bring current affairs and updates, and Argus adds another flavour to the bouquet with its unique programming.

With each auction, DD Free Dish continues to enhance its channel line-up, especially for rural and cost-conscious viewers. The addition of these channels will further broaden the platform’s diversity in terms of language, genre, and regional appeal.