Prasar Bharati Opens Doors for Regional Channels on DD Free Dish

Prasar Bharati is offering opportunities for popular regional language channels to occupy vacant slots on its DD Free Dish service. This initiative aims to enhance representation of under-represented languages and news channels on the platform, with slots offered free of cost until March 2026.

Prasar Bharati has announced a new initiative to fill vacant slots on its direct-to-home service, DD Free Dish, with popular regional language channels. This opportunity is available until the end of March next year.

The pilot scheme, aimed at increasing representation of Schedule 8 languages excluding Hindi and Urdu, invites these channels to apply for slot allotment on the newly upgraded MPEG-4 streams, as per an official statement.

The focus is on enhancing visibility for regional channels, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bangla, Assamese, and Odiya, especially those currently underrepresented on the platform. Priority will also be given to regional news channels over non-news counterparts. The slots are available free of charge until March 31, 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)