Prasar Bharati has issued a formal notification detailing the framework and conditions for the forthcoming DD Free Dish e-auction, outlining the eligibility norms, compliance requirements and procedural guidelines for participating television channels. The notification, dated January 14, 2026, sets the regulatory and operational roadmap for broadcasters seeking carriage on the free-to-air DTH platform.

According to the notification, which forms part of an official Prasar Bharati communication, the e-auction process will be governed by clearly defined terms aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition and adherence to policy norms. Broadcasters participating in the auction will be required to submit mandatory undertakings confirming the accuracy of information provided and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati from time to time.

The document specifies that only channels meeting prescribed eligibility criteria will be allowed to participate in the bidding process. These include valid permissions or licences from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, adherence to uplinking and downlinking guidelines, and compliance with content-related regulations. Any discrepancy, misleading information or violation detected at any stage could lead to disqualification, cancellation of allotment or other action as deemed appropriate by the broadcaster.

Prasar Bharati has reiterated that participation in the DD Free Dish e-auction does not automatically guarantee allotment, and the final decision will rest with the public broadcaster, subject to fulfilment of all conditions and successful completion of the auction process. The notification also underscores that channels must continue to comply with technical and operational norms throughout the period of carriage on the platform.

DD Free Dish remains one of India’s largest free-to-air DTH platforms, offering broadcasters access to a wide rural and semi-urban audience base. The issuance of the notification marks the formal start of the next phase of the e-auction process, with further details on timelines, bidding schedules and reserve prices expected to be announced separately.

Industry stakeholders are now awaiting the auction calendar, as the DD Free Dish platform continues to be a key distribution avenue for general entertainment, movie, news and niche channels seeking scale without subscription barriers.