Prasar Bharati issues notice for DD Free Dish slot auction with focus on Integrity Pact

Prasar Bharati has released a notification inviting applications for vacant MPEG-2 slots on the DD Free Dish platform for the period from April 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027 through 8th annual e-auction process.

The auction is to be held on February 16.

The notice lays out the procedure for participation in the upcoming e-auction, the eligibility requirements for television channels and the complete set of documents that applicants must submit.

The process is part of Prasar Bharati’s continuing effort to allocate capacity on India’s largest free-to-air DTH platform.

A central feature of the new notification is the inclusion of a detailed Integrity Pact.

This pact forms a binding commitment between Prasar Bharati and every participating broadcaster to ensure that the auction process remains fair and free from corruption.

Under the pact, Prasar Bharati undertakes to treat all applicants equally and to avoid any form of favouritism or solicitation.

Broadcasters, on their part, commit that they will not offer inducements, collude with other bidders, or attempt to influence the process through unethical means.

Any violation can lead to serious consequences including disqualification from the auction, forfeiture of fees, cancellation of the allotted slot, and legal action under Indian laws. Independent monitors may also oversee the process to ensure compliance.

The notification specifies a comprehensive list of documents to be uploaded along with the online application.

Channels must submit copies of their uplinking and downlinking permissions from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, proof of the approved channel logo and evidence supporting the declared genre and language of the service.

Broadcasters must also provide programme schedules and undertake that at least 75% of their content will conform to the declared genre and language during the slot period, excluding advertisements and promos.

The revised notice relates to the 85th e-auction for DD Free Dish slots and reflects Prasar Bharati’s attempt to balance commercial growth with accountability.