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The first day of the Phase-III Batch III e-auction of private FM radio channels saw a promising start, with bidders completing five intense clock rounds on July 9, 2025. 

According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Day 1 report, multiple cities registered active bids, with several locations exceeding their reserve prices and seeing excess demand for limited frequencies.

As part of the current phase, the government has put 730 FM channels across 234 cities up for auction, aiming to expand private FM radio to new towns and semi-urban markets. While the auction began with cautious optimism, the Day 1 data shows a clear emergence of hot zones with significant bidding activity.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/mib-extends-bidding-round-duration-in-fm-phase-iii-e-auctions-to-boost-participation-61978.htm">MIB extends bidding round duration in FM Phase III e-auctions to boost participation</a>


Ludhiana topped the charts with the highest provisional winning price of Rs 7.83 crore for one of its four available channels. The city witnessed excess demand of -3, suggesting high interest from multiple players. Haridwar, too, saw a notable bid at Rs 1.08 crore, while Palakkad in Kerala drew three competing bids, reaching a provisional winning price of Rs 1.69 crore by the fifth round.

Among other cities registering aggressive bidding were: Kanhangad (Kasaragod) – Rs 1.55 crore, with three bidders and no excess demand remaining; Karur – Rs 1.68 crore, with two bids still competing; Thanjavur – Rs 1.57 crore, showing continued interest; Panipat – Rs 1.13 crore, with multiple players still in the fray; Mathura – Rs 87 lakh, indicating heightened competition in North Indian towns. 

Several smaller towns such as Bhilwara, Dindigul, Faizabad/Ayodhya, and Sikar also saw multi-bidder activity, with prices hovering between Rs 73 lakh and Rs 1.53 crore, depending on regional demand and channel availability.

Of the cities on auction, only a select few witnessed provisional winning prices being set by the end of Day 1, with the majority still open for further bidding in the next rounds. A significant number of cities saw zero demand and remained below reserve price—indicating strategic holdouts or market hesitation.

The auction is being conducted in the Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending (SMRA) format, allowing bidders to place competing offers over successive rounds until demand stabilizes. Clock rounds continue until there is no excess demand in any city, allowing true market-driven price discovery.

With infrastructure support through Prasar Bharati tower co-location and rules mandating timely rollout post-license, the current batch is aimed at improving FM radio penetration in previously uncovered regions.


The auction marks the third phase of India’s push to expand private FM broadcasting. In August, the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the plan to auction 730 channels in 234 cities with a reserve price of 7.85 billion rupees. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting began inviting applications in October.

In preparation for the auction, the ministry revised its rules in April, extending the duration of each round in the allocation stage from 30 to 60 minutes. Officials say the change is designed to give bidders more time to consider their offers, potentially leading to more efficient price discovery.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/e-auction-of-third-batch-of-private-fm-radio-phase-iii-channels-to-start-on-july-9-73161.htm">E-auction of third batch of Private FM Radio Phase III channels to start on July 9</a>



The expansion comes as the private FM radio sector seeks new growth amid rising competition from digital streaming platforms and a fragmented advertising market. The government hopes the auction will encourage broader participation and investment in local radio, particularly in smaller cities where FM remains a critical source of news and entertainment.

Recently, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju said more than 20 major companies have shown interest in bidding for the licenses under the government’s Private FM Radio Phase III policy. “There are a lot of gains being made now in terms of private FM radio; the auctions are slated to start this month, and I am sure they will see good participation."

Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/radio-players-conservative-bid-in-third-batch-of-phase-iii-fm-e-auctions-50871.htm"> Radio players' conservative bid in third batch of phase-III FM e-auctions</a>

FM Phase-III batch III e-auction sees competitive start with five intense clock rounds completed on Day 1

Three TV channels have been discontinued on DD Free Dish MPEG-4 slots line up for June 2025, according to Prasar Bharati. Sharnam TV got discontinued on June 5, Gangaur Television and Shraddha MH ONE on June 26, the pubcaster shared in its circular. 

While the channels had acquired slots in during MPEG-4 online auctions, they were reportedly removed due to the end of their slots and the subsequent auction for new slots.

It is to be noted that the three channels were among the 26 channels that acquired slots during the 7th Annual (86th) e-auction MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish, which was held on March 4.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/26-channels-won-in-86th-online-mpeg-4-e-auction-61076.htm">26 channels won in 86th online MPEG-4 e-auction</a>


Multiple new TV channels of other languages ​​of the country had joined DD Free Dish in the said auction including Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, Punjabi, Marathi, Rajasthani, Bhojpuri Odia TV channels. New TV channels like Pasand TV, Zee24 Kolkata, Rangoni TV, Parag News, Oscar Movies Bhojpuri had acquired slots.

The list of channels included Aastha Telugu, Aastha Bhajan, Aastha Gujarati, Aastha Kannada, Bansal News, Bharat 24 Vision of New India, Chardikla Time TV, Gangaur Television, Jai Maharashtra, Live Times, Maiboli, MH One, MH ONE DIL SE, MH ONE NEWS, Oscar Movies Bhojpuri, Pasand, Prag News, Raapchik, Rengoni, Sharnam TV, Shraddha MH ONE, Sudarshan News, TV9 Gujrati, TV9 Telugu, V TV News and Zee 24 Kalak.

Prasar Bharati had invited applications for the allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots on the DD Free Dish DTH Platform for the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, in February. The last date of submission was kept for February 25, 2025.

In round one (where Bucket R1 is eligible), the public broadcaster kept the starting reserve price at Rs 5,00,000 (5 lakh). For round two (for bucket R1), the reserve price was kept Rs 15 lakh. The round one of Bucket R2, the starting reserve price was kept at Rs 5 lakh. The round two of Bucket R2 had the price set at Rs 15 lakh. Lastly, the first round for bucket 3 was kept at Rs 5 lakh.

The e-auction was conducted per 'E-auction Methodology '25' for the allotment of DD Free Dish slots to private TV channels, notified by Prasar Bharati on January 3, 2025.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/two-channels-acquire-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-of-dd-free-dish-in-89th-e-auction-72976.htm">Two channels acquire vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish in 89th e-auction</a>


The subsequent 88th online auction for vacant MPEG-4 slots took place on June 6, 2025. 5 channels won vacant MPEG-4 slots for the period June 13, 2025 to March 31, 2026, including Dabangg, Sandesh News, Punjabi Hits, Argus and Tabbar Hits acquired the vacant slots.

The 89th online auction for vacant MPEG-4 slots took place on July 2, 2025. Two channels, TNP NEWS and Living India News channels, acquired the vacant MPEG-4 slots for the period July 11, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

Three TV channels  discontinued on DD Free Dish MPEG-4 slots line up for June 2025

In a landmark move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has amended guidelines that effectively dismantle key restrictions in India’s television and digital audience measurement industry. The removal of cross-holding and Indian ownership limitations is being seen as a direct invitation for global firms to enter the Indian TRP (Television Rating Points) measurement ecosystem. The 'liberalization' comes at a time when India’s more than $10 billion advertising market demands greater transparency and technological innovation in viewership data.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/no-small-feat-building-a-ratings-agency-in-india-cost-upwards-of-rs-1000-crore-73010.htm">Read more: No Small Feat: Building a ratings agency in India cost upwards of Rs 1,000 crore</a>

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the TRP space has been a long-standing industry aspiration, say industry observers. Now, with the policy shift, foreign players have a clear runway to establish their own measurement systems, provided they comply with India’s data protection, audit, and operational laws. 

“This is a seismic shift,” says advocate Shivalika Midha of Jotwani Associates, “and aligns with India’s broader FDI reforms and media liberalization. But with it comes an imperative for strict governance and regulatory vigilance.”

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/mib-opens-trp-market-otts-dpos-and-big-tech-can-now-set-up-ratings-agency-72762.htm">MIB opens TRP market: OTTs, DPOs, and Big Tech can now set up ratings agency</a>

According to Midha and other experts, global firms like Nielsen, Kantar, and Comscore could inject over $50 million into the Indian market, deploying AI-driven analytics, real-time tracking tools, and wider sampling techniques. 

This is expected to disrupt the monopoly long held by BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council), the industry-backed ratings body established to bring order after controversies surrounding its predecessors, TAM and INTAM.

"The easing of ownership restrictions creates a viable pathway for global players to enter or expand in India. This development is likely to inject capital, methodological diversity, and global best practices into what has historically been a domestically controlled and often opaque space.

From a legal perspective, this move enhances competition and has the potential to restore credibility to the audience measurement system, particularly in light of previous manipulation controversies.

Sonam Chandwani of KS Legal points out that while foreign players bring capital and methodological diversity, their entry also raises data sovereignty and legal concerns. 

By dismantling restrictive barriers, the policy seeks to end BARC’s monopoly, which, with only 58,000 people meters for 230 million TV households, fails to reflect the digital pivot to OTT and smart TVs. 

“Without strict contractual obligations around data localization and third-party audits,” she warns, “there’s a risk of favouritism toward global platforms and legal challenges under India’s Competition and Data Protection Acts.”

Still, industry sentiment is cautiously optimistic. 

Vivan Sharan of Koan Advisory sees the MIB’s move as timely. 

“It creates space for more accurate and real-time measurements, especially as content consumption shifts to multi-screen environments. Global expertise will modernize a fragmented and under-representative system."

According to him, the policy shift signals that India understands value of independent and sophisticated audience measurement solutions - particularly at a time when consumer viewing habits are evolving. "Ultimately, consumers stand to benefit from this move as it will mean better insights and more reliable measurement and ad-targeting. Availability of reliable insights also means industry players can make smarter decisions in a complex multi-screen environment."

“With the MIB opening up ratings market, multiple players can enter the fray,” says an insider, indicating that even infrastructure-light setups leveraging DPO data could be launched with an estimated Rs 1,000 crore investment.

The Trust Issues 

However, the legacy of India’s audience measurement is a double-edged sword. 

BARC, despite criticism over limited sample sizes and operational lapses, remains trusted due to its industry governance structure. This, many say, will be difficult for private foreign entities to replicate, unless they collaborate with Indian players or build new trust mechanisms.

Says Ashish Bhasin, Founder of The Bhasin Consulting Group, "Why would anybody trust an (foreign) agency? One trusts BARC today because it's an industry body which has self-correcting mechanisms and which has all the industry stakeholders as a part of it. But if it's a private sector player, why would anyone trust it, if it is just trying to sell you the data?"

He adds, "We've seen in the past, what happened with TAM and INTAM and the lists getting leaked and so on and so forth, which is why BARC was formed in the first place."

"Any agency has to be industry governed, has to have the participation of all the stakeholders. And the three key stakeholders in this context are advertising agencies, the broadcasters and the clients. Just having a commercial organization running it exposes us to the potential of corruption of data, which is what was happening in the past, as well as bias is creeping in. Otherwise sooner than later it will lead to chaos. Stakeholders should tell the Ministry that don't fritter away our resources. Instead, let's pull them together and make a bigger, robust sample."

Bhasin warns against scaling up without caution. "India’s diversity is immense; sample sizes will be insufficient if agencies operate independently. The country needs one robust, well-governed measurement agency, not fragmentary alternatives." 

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/oems-big-tech-in-fray-indias-media-ratings-overhaul-to-face-dpdpa-headwinds-72990.htm">OEMs, Big Tech in fray; India’s media ratings overhaul to face DPDPA headwinds</a>

MIB eliminates ownership barriers in audience measurement, triggering a potential wave of FDI and innovation, but concerns over governance, data integrity, and industry fragmentation loom large. The lifting of cross-holding limitations and the removal of mandatory Indian ownership heralds a new era of innovation and competition. 

Yet, some insiders caution the policy pivot may not solve BARC’s structural issues: incomplete sample sizes, lack of OTT metrics, and erosion of confidence. 

A senior media executive notes that BARC’s limited 0.025% sample of 230 million households undermines its relevance. The question remains: will foreign competition catalyze systemic improvements — or only deepen confusion?

Former MD of Amul, RS Sodhi, adds that the costs for setting up the system are prohibitive and hence other players don't get in. The removal of restrictions may encourage others to participate. "However the possibility of multiple currencies for measurement and which measurement to adopt will create some confusion initially till the dust settles."

For now, India’s ad market stands at an inflection point. The MIB has unlocked the door; whether foreign capital modernizes measurement without undermining trust depends on governance, industry cohesion, and transparency. As competition intensifies, the MIB, some say, could also introduce more oversight mechanisms including mandatory audits, disclosure of measurement methodologies, and compliance frameworks to ensure transparency and neutrality.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/exclusive-tam-to-maintain-barc-jv-role-sets-sights-on-big-tech-and-dpo-alliances-72895.htm">Read more: EXCLUSIVE: TAM to maintain BARC JV Role, sets sights on Big Tech and DPO alliances</a>

$50 mn investment expected as Ministry of I&B eases TRP ratings restrictions

As the floodgates open for new players in India’s audience measurement landscape, a stark reality emerges: setting up a full-fledged television and digital ratings agency in India is not just capital-intensive — it’s operationally and legally complex. 

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/oems-big-tech-in-fray-indias-media-ratings-overhaul-to-face-dpdpa-headwinds-72990.htm">OEMs, Big Tech in fray; India’s media ratings overhaul to face DPDPA headwinds</a>

According to top industry executives, any serious player entering the Television Rating Points (TRP) market will need to invest between Rs 1,000–2,000 crore, just to reach a credible operational baseline.

That includes infrastructure setup—panel creation, Return Path Data (RPD) integration via set-top boxes, tech platform development, field surveys, and continuous system audits. 

Some players estimate annual recurring costs at Rs 100–150 crore. 

“This is an operation-heavy business with very high fixed costs,” reveals an industry insider. “Unless multiple players can build differentiated infrastructure or share systems sustainably, most will bleed financially.”

In its latest assessment, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) noted that India currently has approximately 230 million television households. However, only about 58,000 people meters are presently used to capture viewership data, representing just 0.025% of the total TV homes.

This minuscule sample, according to MIB, undermines the reliability of the TRP system, especially in a country as demographically diverse as India. The current system, managed solely by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), also fails to include data from smart TVs, OTT platforms, and mobile apps—areas where audience attention is rapidly shifting.

This admission highlights the need for an updated ratings framework that reflects contemporary viewing patterns across platforms and devices.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/only-0-025-of-tv-homes-measured-mib-critiques-flawed-trp-metrics-72903.htm">Only 0.025% of TV homes measured: MIB critiques flawed TRP metrics</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/exclusive-tam-to-maintain-barc-jv-role-sets-sights-on-big-tech-and-dpo-alliances-72895.htm">Read more: TAM to maintain BARC JV Role, sets sights on Big Tech and DPO alliances</a>

BARC, formed after years of measurement manipulation controversies, reportedly spent just Rs 160–180 crore during its setup phase in 2015. But today, to match technological expectations and integrate with digital platforms, the costs are substantially higher. 

Foreign firms might have the capital, but they may lack ground-level experience in India’s diverse media landscape. This has led some to predict that foreign entrants may initially adopt a partnership or joint venture model with Indian firms rather than set up independently.

From a legal lens, entities must navigate the Companies Act, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and the Competition Act. 

Establishing a ratings agency requires $20–30 million upfront for metering technology, software, and compliance with the Companies Act, 2013, plus $10–15 million annually to operate across India’s diverse markets, say experts. 

"Data privacy, sample methodology, and anti-manipulation provisions must be baked into the operations of any ratings player. If conflict-of-interest provisions aren’t enforced, the sector could quickly regress into chaos, repeating the problems that led to BARC’s creation in the first place," points out Sonam Chandwani of KS Legal.

Following are the significant regulatory implications any new entity would face:

- Data Protection and Localization: Foreign entities will be required to comply strictly with India’s data protection laws, including storage, processing, and cross-border transfer provisions under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

- Strategic Oversight: Given the role of ratings in shaping public opinion, advertising revenue, and electoral narratives, the government is likely to introduce oversight frameworks to mitigate risks around content manipulation or foreign influence, say Shivalika Midha, Advocate, Jotwani Associates.

- Auditability and Transparency: The government may require foreign entrants to undergo regular third-party audits, disclose their measurement methodologies, and maintain compliance with any guidelines issued by BARC, TRAI, or future regulatory bodies.

So while the regulatory liberalization opens the doors for foreign investment and global competition, it must be underpinned by a strong governance architecture. Done right, this shift can catalyse a much-needed transformation in India’s media measurement landscape, enhancing both trust and accountability across platforms.

Experts also caution that while the policy change is welcome, the idea of multiple agencies functioning simultaneously—each with their own data—is deeply flawed in the Indian context. 

Ashish Bhasin, Founder of The Bhasin Consulting Group, argues that India’s demographic and linguistic complexity means even pooled resources won’t yield representative samples. “You’re better off having one robust, well-governed body like BARC, rather than ten fragmented, under-funded ones,” he says.

And then there’s the issue of ROI. Most new entrants may struggle to recover investments if broadcasters and agencies—who foot the bill—refuse to pay for multiple ratings or doubt their credibility. 

“Multiple currencies will only confuse advertisers and hurt the very ecosystem this move intends to empower,” sums up a senior media executive.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/mib-opens-trp-market-otts-dpos-and-big-tech-can-now-set-up-ratings-agency-72762.htm">MIB opens TRP market: OTTs, DPOs, and Big Tech can now set up ratings agency</a>

No Small Feat: Building a ratings agency in India cost upwards of Rs 1,000 crore

Prasar Bharati has released the list of channels that won vacant MPEG-4 slots for the period July 11, 2025 to March 31, 2026. According to the list, TNP NEWS and Living India News acquired the vacant slots.

The 89th online auction for vacant MPEG-4 slots took place on July 2, 2025.

The e-auction was conducted in accordance with e-auction methodology 2025 for allotment of DD Free Dish slots to private TV channels, notified by Prasar Bharati on January 3, 2025.

Only satellite channels permitted and licensed by the Ministry of I&B were allowed to participate in he e-auction. Only companies holding valid permission from the Ministry of I&B can applied for the participation in e-auction for allocation of DD Free Dish slots. International public broadcasters permitted by Ministry of I&B can also participate in the e-auction.

In June, the public broadcaster held 88th online e-auction for the allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots for the period June 13, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Among the channels that won the vacant slots were Dabangg, Sandesh News, Punjabi Hits, Argus and Tabbar Hits.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/prasar-bharati-invites-applications-for-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-on-dd-free-dish-71630.htm">Prasar Bharati invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish vua 89th auction</a>


Categorisation of TV channels in different buckets in accordance with the genres and languages of channels for the allotment period:

Bucket R1 includes all genres of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on (ii) at least one registered MSO.

R2 includes all genres of Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Odiya that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e- auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.

Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/5-channels-acquire-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-of-dd-free-dish-in-88th-e-auction-69572.htm"> 5 channels acquire vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish in 88th e-auction</a>


R3 includes all genres of other regional languages, as mentioned in schedule 8 of Indian Constitution (except Hindi & Urdu), not covered under Buckets Rl and R2 and is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.

G1 includes news and current affairs TV channels and G2 includes all genres of non-news and current affairs TV channels.

Two channels acquire vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish in 89th e-auction

In a special address that underscored the explosive growth of India’s digital entertainment economy, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said digital now dominates the media and entertainment (M&E) landscape, accounting for over 55% of the nation’s advertising expenditure. 

Speaking at Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit (DES) 2025, Jaju laid out a bold vision to make India a vanguard of global entertainment, powered by innovation, immersive technology, and inclusive growth. 

“The digital segment is now definitely more than the non-digital segment,” Jaju said, adding that the industry must now enable the segment “to grow at a much brisker pace.” He pointed to the shifting dynamics in consumption, noting India’s mobile-first nature, with over 55 crore smartphone users, as a key factor driving this transformation.

While India has long been a creative powerhouse, the Secretary stressed that the digital medium has become central to its global aspirations. “Digital entertainment, being the core theme... has a huge share in the overall media and entertainment landscape,” he said, noting the growing importance of streaming platforms, gaming companies, animation and post-production studios, and the creator economy.

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/special-coverage/india-is-no-longer-just-a-consumer-we-are-global-storytellers-mos-l-murugan-at-storyboard18-des-2025-72114.htm">India is no longer just a consumer, we are global storytellers: MoS I&B Dr L Murugan at Storyboard18 DES 2025</a>


Set against the backdrop of the government's landmark World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), DES 2025 aims to spotlight policy innovations, new frontiers in gaming, and the tech ecosystem's next growth wave. The event unpacked India's strategy for leading the digital entertainment economy, with top policymakers outlining how talent, technology, and governance will fuel future-ready growth.


"WAVES: Declaration to the world..."


In his special address, Jaju highlighted that the recently held WAVES summit as a pivotal moment for India’s entertainment narrative. “WAVES is a movement being created for all of you, for the industry, for the content creators... it was actually a declaration to the world that we are ready to lead the creative economy of the future. It was through WAVES that we wanted to showcase our prowess to the rest of the world and the message went loud and clear."

He revealed that over 100 countries participated in the event and more than 75 signed a ministerial declaration focused on creative growth.

The Indian M&E industry has been undergoing rapid digitization, fueled by affordable data rates, deep smartphone penetration, and growing internet access. According to various industry estimates, India’s digital advertising market is poised to surpass Rs 70,000 crore by 2026. Events like WAVES- organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting— aim to position India as a global content and technology hub, uniting stakeholders across tech, film, gaming, streaming, and social media to co-create and export India’s soft power to the world.

Reflecting on the global response, Jaju shared that even international dignitaries were awed by the scale of India’s creative ecosystem at WAVES. “The minister from Japan made a very important claim... he said, ‘I have not seen an event of this scale in the media and entertainment landscape ever in my life,’” Jaju quoted, adding that the creativity on display at WAVES was “completely unparalleled.”


"Creative Excellence, Digital Innovation, and Inclusive Growth"


Addressing technological trends shaping the future, he said, “Artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI has been transforming every aspect of our life... from editing to dubbing to music production to animation, and M&E landscape is also bound to get affected.” Jaju emphasized the need to leverage immersive technologies to amplify India’s storytelling capabilities.

"We need to be also embracing large number of technological trends which are happening, these trends are going to shape the digital entertainment landscape as well."

He also called for a push toward more low-cost cinema halls, rural distribution, and international collaboration to expand India's creative commerce footprint. "Take cinema to the hinterland, take cinema to places where it does not exist today. Make it low cost so that you get more eyeballs and more people coming to watching cinema in a community manner."

At the same time, the Minister emphasized that the country also needs to provide opportunities and create infrastructure for getting content creators from outside the world, to come and make India the hub for their production. "...because we will not just offer them cost arbitrage, we will also offer them immense opportunities in terms of our own market, in terms of our own creators whose content is anyway going outside right now through various distribution channels. Our vision is to make India not just a participant but a vanguard in the global entertainment ecosystem."

The Minister also highlighted that there's no dearth of content within our country, "but what we require is the balance."

“Our next effort would be to take the sellers outside, and buyers from those countries can then join in,” he added, referring to the success of Bazaar, a content marketplace initiative launched at WAVES.


As a testament to the government’s commitment, Jaju announced that the Indian Institute of Creative Technology’s campus in Mumbai will be operational by September, offering incubation support for startups and creators.

In closing, Jaju outlined a three-pillar vision for the sector: Creative Excellence, Digital Innovation, and Inclusive Growth. “Let us co-create with our talent, with great Indian IPs... Our time has come and the future is now,” he declared. “Let us walk together, let us speak together, let our minds be united.”

“For India’s M&E sector to grow, digital has to grow at a higher pace”: MIB's Sanjay Jaju at Storyboard18 DES 2025

In its latest circular, Prasar Bharati has has invited producers, artists, and creators to substantiate ownership over historic Doordarshan shows.

The notice, dated June 26, the public broadcaster has invited all stakeholders including producers, directors, actors, artists, and others who were creatively involved in these legacy programs to submit claims of ownership or association within 45 days of the publication date. 

Claimants must provide detailed information, including the name of the program, episode numbers, creative team details, nature and duration of association with Doordarshan or Prasar Bharati, and verifiable documentation such as contracts or agreements that justify their claim.

This step comes after the Central Archives of Prasar Bharati flagged several program files, spanning genres like classical music, documentary, and cultural history, where contractual ownership records could not be located. 

The shows include prominent series such as “The Soul of India: A Classical Music Series,” “In Conversation with Rajiv Mehrotra,” “Spectacular India,” and “Sikhs and Their Five Takhts”. These programs featured a constellation of cultural legends, including Ustad Vilayat Khan, Shubha Mudgal, Ustad Bismillah Khan, the Dalai Lama, Jaya Bachchan, Dr. Karan Singh, and the late President K.R. Narayanan, among others.

If no valid claims are received within the prescribed window, Prasar Bharati will assume absolute ownership of the intellectual property and reserves the right to broadcast, digitally stream, or syndicate these programs on any platform. Claims received after the deadline will be summarily rejected, as per the directive.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/waves-ott-crosses-2-million-downloads-strengthens-global-footprint-across-181-countries-63478.htm">Prasar Bharati Waves OTT crosses 2 million downloads, strengthens global footprint across 181 countries</a>


"Claims received, if any, in respect of IPRs/Copyrights of these Media assets shall be examined for the bonafide claims and settled accordingly. In case no claim for a programme in the list is received by the prescribed date as per the period specified in para 3 of the present notice, then Prasar Bharati will be the absolute owner of the Intellectual Property Rights/ Copyrights over the media assets under circulation and can use these programme as per the requirement to broadcast on linear TV or on any digital platform or syndicate to other media houses.

No claim shall be entertained after elapsing of due period. Claims received after such period shall be summarily rejected," the circular said.

The broadcaster has directed all claims to be sent to the Director of Central Archives at Akashvani Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, supported with attested and original documents where required. Once vetted for authenticity, bonafide claims will be settled accordingly.

Prasar Bharati calls for stakeholder claims on Doordarshan Classics before 45-day deadline

Prasar Bharati has invited applications for the vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish through 89th online e-auction.

In a circular dated June 24, the pubcaster mentioned that the applications are invited for the period from July 11, 2025 to March 31, 2026. The e-auction will tentatively be held on July 2, 2025.

Earlier this month, the public broadcaster held 88th online e-auction for the allotment of vacant MPEG-4 slots for the period June 13, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Among the channels that won the vacant slots were Dabangg, Sandesh News, Punjabi Hits, Argus and Tabbar Hits.

The tentative e-auction will be conducted in accordance with e-auction methodology 2025 for allotment of DD Free Dish slots to private TV channels, notified by Prasar Bharati on January 3, 2025.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/prasar-bharati-invites-applications-for-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-on-dd-free-dish-via-88th-e-auction-67996.htm">Prasar Bharati invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish via 88th e-auction</a>


Only satellite channels permitted and licensed by the Ministry of I&B would be allowed to participate in he e-auction. Only companies holding valid permission from the Ministry of I&B can apply for the participation in e-auction for allocation of DD Free Dish slots. International public broadcasters permitted by Ministry of I&B can also participate in the e-auction.

Categorisation of TV channels in different buckets in accordance with the genres and languages of channels for the allotment period:

Bucket R1 includes all genres of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on (ii) at least one registered MSO.

R2 includes all genres of Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Odiya that is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e- auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.


Read more:<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/5-channels-acquire-vacant-mpeg-4-slots-of-dd-free-dish-in-88th-e-auction-69572.htm"> 5 channels acquire vacant MPEG-4 slots of DD Free Dish in 88th e-auction</a>


R3 includes all genres of other regional languages, as mentioned in schedule 8 of Indian Constitution (except Hindi & Urdu), not covered under Buckets Rl and R2 and is in operation and available in the concerned language on the date of issue of notification for e-auction on at least one private DTH Platform/DD Free Dish and/or on at least one registered MSO.

G1 includes news and current affairs TV channels and G2 includes all genres of non-news and current affairs TV channels.

According to Prasar Bharati, 75% of content telecast on channel shall be in genre and language as declared by the applicant.

According to the circular, broadcasters desirous of allotment of slot on DD Free Dish are required to provide unambiguous proof in support of Genre and Language classification of their channel.

"Whenever any violation concerning content and language declared by the channel come to notice, the recording of the content broadcast by the channel shall be reviewed by a duly constituted committee," the circular read.

Prasar Bharati invites applications for vacant MPEG-4 slots on DD Free Dish

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited applications for two crucial full-time positions—Member (Finance) and Member (Personnel) on the Prasar Bharati Board. 

Both roles carry the rank and pay of Additional Secretary to the Government of India (Level 15, Rs 67,000– Rs 79,000 per month) and will be appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of a high-powered committee chaired by the Vice President.

"The President of India appoints a person having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of personnel management and administration to the post of Member (Personnel) / Member (Finance) , Prasar Bharati Board on recommendation of a Committee headed by the Vice President of India. The person so appointed being the whole time member of the Prasar Bharati Board shall be an employee of the Prasar Bharati and shall hold office for a term of six years from the date on which he/she enters upon his/her office, or until he/she attains the age of sixty two years, whichever is earlier," the circular read.

The Member (Finance) will be responsible for overseeing all financial matters of Prasar Bharati, including budgeting, audits, and strategic financial planning. The ministry is seeking individuals with substantial experience in finance, preferably with an MBA in Finance or equivalent qualifications. Applicants can come from government services (at the level of Additional Secretary/Senior Joint Secretary), PSUs, statutory or autonomous bodies, or the private sector with appropriate senior-level experience.

The Member (Finance)/ (Personnel) shall be a Whole-time Member of the Prasar Bharati Board and the Board is vested with powers for overall superintendence, direction and control of the affairs of the Corporation.

The Member (Personnel) will be tasked with managing personnel, HR policies, and administrative affairs of Prasar Bharati. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in human resource management, preferably holding an MBA or postgraduate degree/diploma in HR or Personnel Management. Similar to the finance role, candidates can come from public or private backgrounds, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/prasar-bharati-warns-public-against-fraudulent-email-account-misrepresenting-content-sourcing-division-70147.htm">Prasar Bharati warns public against fraudulent email account misrepresenting Content Sourcing Division</a>



Both appointments will be for a term of six years or until the age of 62, whichever is earlier. The last date for submission of applications is July 12, 2025. Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format to the Director (Broadcasting Administration – Policy), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

Applicants from government services or public sector undertakings must route their applications through proper channels and include vigilance clearance, cadre clearance, integrity certificates, and copies of ACRs/APARs for the last five years, it was notified.

The ministry has clarified that those who had applied earlier in response to the November–December 2023 recruitment notices for the same posts may apply again, provided they still meet the eligibility criteria.

Prasar Bharati invites applications for key board positions in Finance and Personnel

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has released its updated status on Multi-System Operator (MSO) registrations, revealing that the number of active registered MSOs remained unchanged at 842 between April 30 and May 31, 2025. 

However, the number of MSOs whose registrations were cancelled, surrendered, or expired rose slightly from 1,049 in April to 1,051 in May, reflecting a continued tightening of compliance enforcement.

Additionally, the Ministry reported that 114 MSO applications had been cancelled, rejected, or closed by May 31—unchanged from the previous month.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/1049-multi-system-operators-non-compliant-as-of-april25-only-842-remain-registered-ministry-of-ib-66352.htm">1049 multi-system operators non-compliant as of April'25, only 842 remain registered: Ministry of I&B</a>


This data underscores a continued crackdown by the MIB on non-compliant operators, many of whom have failed to update subscriber data or meet regulatory obligations under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and associated rules.

In March, 1,045 MSOs were found non-compliant, while 845 were registered with the Ministry.

In August 2024, there were over 850 registered MSOs, and a year prior, the number stood at 998.

One of the terms and conditions of the MSO registration is that MSOs shall comply with the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act. 1995, and the Rules made there under, as amended and adhered to all the terms and conditions of the registration. Failing to do so, the permission granted is liable to be cancelled or suspended. MSOs are also required to submit a list of their subscribers and other details as per the requests made by the Ministry from time to time.


Read more: <a href="http://1,159 MSOs licenses cancelled; only 843 registered with I&B Ministry as of Feb'25">1,159 MSOs licenses cancelled; only 843 registered with I&B Ministry as of Feb'25</a>


Further, according to Regulation 15(1) of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017, it is mandatory for every distributor of channels to conduct an audit of their system once in a calendar year; if they fail to do so, they are marked as 'non-compliant'. Following which, MSOs have to provide the requisite information or make any reference to the Ministry regarding their compliance status. In absence of the same, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 4(7) of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the MSO registrations of the scheduled MSOs are cancelled with immediate effect.


Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/ministry-of-i-warns-of-suspension-and-revocation-70812.htm">Ministry of I&B orders 805 MSOs to update subscriber 'seeding' data; warns of suspension and revocation</a>

In the past, via one of its advisories, the Ministry had stated that all MSOs who provide their own programming service to their own subscribers directly or through one or multiple Local Cable Operators must register to the platform services.

MSO registrations stall at 842 in May'25 as Ministry of I&B tightens grip on non-compliance

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MINISTRY OF INFORMATION BROADCASTING