NBDA seeks more transparency, more slots for news channels in DD FreeDish auctions

The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) has urged Prasar Bharati to introduce greater transparency and fairness in the e-auction methodology for the allotment of slots on its DD Free Dish platform. In its submission to the public broadcaster’s recent consultation, NBDA said the new framework must be “transparent, equitable, and robust” to strengthen the platform while upholding its public service mandate.

NBDA recommended that Prasar Bharati disclose crucial details before the start of any auction, including the total number of slots available, the number of slots remaining before each round, a complete list of applicants by category, and the final list of eligible and ineligible participants. 

It argued that informational symmetry is essential for a fair auction process and that withholding such details leads to a non-level playing field and speculative bidding.

The industry body further called for procedural fairness, stressing that all screening and eligibility checks should be completed in advance, and no applicant should be rejected once the auction begins.

A key demand from NBDA is to increase the availability of slots for news and current affairs broadcasters. 

It has sought at least 14 MPEG-2 slots for the news genre, pointing out that only 12–13 such channels have typically been available on DD Free Dish in recent years. 

“News channels are fundamental to an informed citizenry and a vibrant democracy. Treating them purely as commercial entities with high reserve prices ignores their vital public service contribution,” NBDA noted, adding that the current Rs 7 crore reserve price for Bucket C (News & Current Affairs) is unsustainable.

NBDA also highlighted the financial pressures faced by the news broadcast industry, citing rising manpower, marketing, and distribution costs, alongside declining advertising revenues. High auction bids, it warned, not only strain broadcasters further but also distort carriage fees across private distribution platforms, as Free Dish prices are used as benchmarks.

Among other measures, NBDA has suggested that Prasar Bharati undertake a scientific study to accurately measure DD Free Dish’s market penetration and viewership; increase MPEG-2 channel capacity by adding new transport streams; and convert over 25 unutilized MPEG-4 slots into MPEG-2 to meet immediate demand.

The association also recommended grouping channels by genre and language, with a dedicated cluster for news, to improve accessibility for viewers.

NBDA has requested Prasar Bharati to publish the revised draft e-auction policy along with an explanatory memorandum for stakeholder feedback, and to convene a meeting to discuss proposed changes before finalising the new framework.

“Prasar Bharati must align its auction objectives with its core public service philosophy, emphasizing news dissemination and the public’s right to information rather than solely focusing on revenue,” NBDA said, adding that a fairer, more inclusive framework would ultimately serve the common good.