GECs
DD announces e-auction policy for slots for prime time on DD National
NEW DELHI: After dilly-dallying for several months on the ethics of the move, the pubcaster Doordarshan has invited eligible producers to create and market fresh content on the channel for a fixed tenure extending up to three years.
Encouraged by its success in e-auction slots in FM Radio Phase III, Prasar Bharati has highlighted some slots in DD prime time that will be put up for e-auction to attract high quality content on its National and Regional Channels.
The policy encourages private entrepreneurs to produce cutting edge general entertainment programming with a commitment for providing wholesome family enjoyment.
The technical and financial criteria for the new policy will be notified separately.
The Sale of slots to be auctioned will be through e-auction mode.
The roll out of the Slot Sale Policy will commence with DD’s flagship channel ‘DD National’ on its prime time slots will then be progressively extended to other slots and channels.
The base price for DD National Prime Time is being kept reasonable keeping in view the content environment and market economics to attract bidders.
In the draft notification for Sale of Slots on Prime Time of DD National (to be separately notified), the Minimum Floor Price for DD National Prime Time is proposed to be Rs Two lakhs for each 30 minute time slot between 7-11 PM (excluding Feature Film Slots).
The Slot price increase is to be based on half yearly reviews through a transparent mechanism linked to the ratings achieved in the slot.
The slots available for bidding would be for a sequence of slots for daily strips on weekdays/weekends.
The aim is to follow a transparent bidding process so that opportunities are made available to all.
Give more Free Commercial Time (FCT) to the Bidder or slot holder. For Sale of Slots on Prime Time of DD National, the Free Commercial Time (FCT) will be enhanced from the existing 2.5 minutes to 4.0 minutes for every 30 minute slot.
This will ensure that there is no competition between DD and the bidder/slot holder in vying for the same clients and advertisements. Successful Bidders would be free to procure advertisements from all clients within their entitlement of FCT with the exception of government and PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) clients.
Bids may be invited for any/various combinations of/all slots as detailed below:
i) For a single stand alone slot
ii) For longer time durations comprising of more than one slot for catering to the needs of telecasting special events, feature films etc.
iii) For a single slot on weekly basis
iv) For a sequence of slots in the same time band running over certain number of days in a week (e.g. Monday-Thursday; Monday-Friday; Saturday-Sunday, etc.)
The decision regarding inviting bids in respect of slots will be at the sole discretion of Doordarshan after taking into account its programme requirements for any channel or time band.
The website www.ddindia.gov.in gives detailed information for applicants.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
