MUMBAI: Applications from devotional (spiritual/AYUSH channels) have been invited by Prasar Bharati for allotment of slots of free direct to home (DTH) platform DD Free Dish for the period from 1 June 2019 to 29 February 2020 through the 40th online e-auction process, according to reports.

From 22 May, Doordarshan will conduct the 40th online e-auction to fill Bucket R1 MPEG-2 slots of DD Free Dish. The e-auction will be conducted in accordance with addendum/amendment to Policy Guidelines for allotment of slots of DD Free Dish notified on 30 March. Only devotional (spiritual/AYUSH channels) licenced by the Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) would be allowed to participate in the 40th online e-auction.

Reserve price for allotment of Bucket R1 slots of DD Free Dish is Rs 2.25 crore. The last date for submission of applications is 20 May 3 pm.

The pubcaster said that broadcasters desirous of allotment of Bucket R1 slots on DD Free Dish are required to provide clear and unambiguous proof in support of genre classification of their channel. In case of lack of clarity, ambiguity or conflicting information, applications will be deemed ineligible and may be summarily rejected.