DD Free Dish E-Auction on Feb 16: Stricter Norms, Higher Reserve Prices

• Prasar Bharati invites applications for MPEG-2 slots on DD Free Dish, with the 8th annual e-auction (94th) scheduled for February 16, 2026.
• New eligibility rules require channels to be operational, available in the concerned language, and present on at least one DTH platform or MSO to curb speculative bidding.
• Revised reserve prices for MPEG-2 slots include ₹15 crore for Bucket A+, ₹12 crore for Bucket A, ₹10 crore for Bucket B, ₹7 crore for Bucket C, and ₹6 crore for Bucket D.
• The auction determines private satellite TV channel lineup for April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, impacting DD Free Dish's 43-45 million households.
• Participation is open to MIB-permitted satellite channels and international public broadcasters, governed by the E-auction Methodology 2025 and its amendment.

Why It Matters: DD Free Dish e-auction on Feb 16 introduces stricter eligibility and higher reserve prices for broadcasters.