Prasar Bharati has issued its 93rd notification, deciding to make the vacant MPEG-4 slots on the newly added test streams TS-7 and TS-8 on DD Free Dish available for free. This scheme will continue as a pilot project until March 31, 2026.
See details about TS-7 and TS-8 below -
Which channels will be eligible?
The scheme aims to promote regional language TV Channels (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese, Oriya, etc.) across the country.
The following types of channels can apply:
- Channels licensed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)
- Channels broadcasting in any language included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, except Hindi and Urdu.
- Channels that have been continuously available for the past three years.
- Channels that broadcast at least 75% of their content (excluding advertisements) in their declared genre and language.
- Channels that have not previously received a slot in the 2025–26 auction.
Special priority will be given to channels in languages that are currently underrepresented on DD Free Dish—such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese, Oriya, etc. Importantly, regional language news channels will also receive priority.
Which TV channels are ineligible?
All channels that won slots in the recent 2025–26 auction round will be ineligible.
Objective of this Free MPEG-4 Slot Scheme -
Prasar Bharati states that this initiative aims to provide a larger platform to small and regional broadcasters, enabling them to make their channels available free of charge in remote areas across the country. Regional TV channels whose advertisements have been diverted to social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook can be reclaimed.
TS-7 -
11050/V/30000
TS-8 -
11470/H/30000
As you all know, DD Free Dish is the country's largest subscription-free DTH platform, reaching millions of homes.
Free DD Free Dish Slot Scheme for TV channels in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese, and Oriya languages. There is no application fee for this scheme.
Check Prasar Bharati's Official Advertisements
FAQs -
Regional TV Channels: When should I apply?
The application process began as soon as the notification was issued.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Slots are limited, so channels are advised to apply early.
This pilot scheme is valid until March 31, 2026.
How to apply for a DD Freedish slot?
Channels must prepare an application on their authorized letterhead.
All required documents must be attached.
The application must then be submitted through the online or offline mode prescribed by Prasar Bharati.
What is the Free Slot Scheme application fee?
There is no application fee for this scheme.
MPEG-4 slots will be provided completely free of cost.
This scheme is specifically designed for small and regional channels.
Channels do not have to bid or pay any fees for the slot.
What are the documents required for a free MPEG-4 slot?
MIB Permission Letter (Valid)
Company/Channel Profile
Broadcasting proof for the last three years
Declaration of content language/genre
Technical Info: Satellite parameters, uplink details
Authorized Signatory's ID + Authorization letter
How long will the free MPEG-4 slot be available?
The slot will be free until March 31, 2026 (on a pilot basis).
The scheme may be extended in the future, but there is no guarantee.
Also Read - Prasar Bharati Invites Satellite TV Channels on Its OTT Platform “WAVES”