Kerry Packer's Channel Nine has won a second primetime slot on state broadcaster Doordarshan's Metro channel, from 21.00 to 22.00, to add to its existing slot between 19.00 and 21.00.

The Australian broadcaster paid about $14m for the extra hour. It will have to meet programming restrictions specified by Doordarshan which include not broadcasting sports, news and current affairs, or programmes about astrology or mysticism.

Meanwhile Doordarshan is in negotiations with international sports channel ESPN about providing content for its 18.00 to 19.00 slot. It is also talking to the BBC about children's programming for its daytime schedules.