The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed that Prasar Bharati is launching a pilot scheme on DD Free Dish platform, to onboard popular regional language channels on newly upgraded MPEG-4 streams. The Ministry said that the initiative is aimed at endeavouring outreach in unrepresented and under-represented areas is driven by a commitment to bridge gaps in access, opportunity, and awareness through promoting regional languages apart from other activities.

 

The Ministry highlighted that initiative prioritises regional channels in Kannada,Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bangla, Assamese and Odiya, especially those currently underrepresented on the platform. Regional news channels will receive preference, and slots will be allotted free of cost till 31 March of next year. Prasar Bharati said the scheme reinforces its commitment to promote regional languages and expand equitable media access across the country.