Prasar Bharati invites applications for MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish
Only the satellite channels licensed by the Ministry of I&B would be allowed to participate in the e-auction
Prasar Bharati has invited applications for allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish DTH Platform through 80th online e-auction process which will be tentatively held from July 24, 2024.
“The e-auction will be conducted in accordance with E-auction Methodology for allotment of DD Free Dish slots to private TV channels, notified by Prasar Bharati on January 27, 2023 and subsequent Amendment Dated December 13, 2023,” Prasar Bharati said, adding that only satellite channels licensed by the Ministry of I&B would be allowed to participate in the e-auction.
Bidding in the e-Auction of MPEG-4 slots will be open to all genre and language channels at a reserve price of Rs. 1,34,49,000 for the Period from August 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
“Broadcasters desirous of allotment of slot on DD Free Dish are required to provide clear and unambiguous proof in support of Genre and Language classification of their channel. In case of lack of clarity, ambiguity or conflicting information, applications will be deemed ineligible and may be summarily rejected,” it notified.
The last date of submission is July 23, it said, adding that if required, Prasar Bharati can extend the auction to the next day or as the case may be.
Prasar Bharati reserves the rights to accept/reject/cancel/amend the e-Auction/slot at any time during the e-Auction or after e-Auction.
After the successful conduct of e-auction, a 'Letter of Allotment' will be issued by Prasar Bharati to the successful bidder along with the 'Payment Schedule' for payment of bid amount and prescribed format of agreement to be signed between Prasar Bharati & the bidder.
“Every successful bidder will be required to sign an 'Agreement' with Prasar Bharati in two original copies within 15 days of issue of 'Letter of Allotment'.
“Successful channels will be placed on vacant Logical Channel Numbers (ICNs) of DD Free Dish. After completion of e-auction, successful channel may apply giving three options in the order of preference for allotment of IN. However, this does not guarantee for placement of successful channel on preferences given for LCN. All such requests shall be considered by Prasar Bharati in accordance with prescribed procedure for allotment allotment/change of ICN to private TV channels,” it said.
It further said that successful channels shall be required to make payments as per 'Payment Schedule' prescribed in 'Letter of Allotment' and clause (5) of the E-auction Methodology for allotment of DD Free Dish slots which will also be part of agreement to be signed between Prasar Bharati & successful bidders.
In case of any instalments not paid within the scheduled dates, a notice to this effect shall be issued to the defaulter to deposit the payment due along with interest at the rate of 14.5% per annum within seven days.
Successful channel is placed on DD Free Dish after receipt of payment for 1st instalment of carriage fee, as provided in allotment of letter.
“In case the 'Channel Provider' fails to place its channel on its allocated slot within one month of the allotment commencement date, the allotment shall stand cancelled automatically and the Participation Fee along with any instalment already deposited shall be forfeited,” it said.
