Doordarshan Turns SAFFRON Ahead Of First Voting Day: What You Need To Know

What is Doordarshan?

Doordarshan is the very first TV channel in India, established on September 15, 1959, at the studio of All India Radio, Delhi. It is an autonomous public service broadcaster founded by the Government of India and one of two divisions of Prasar Bharati: a statutory autonomous body and a state-owned public broadcaster. 

Vision at stake

The vision of Doordarshan is to care for the interests of all linguistic, geographical and cultural groups. To promote overall development and celebrate diversity and integration of unity. Doordarshan marks the inception of news services in India, which means any digression from the vision to maintain diversity and unity is a disruption in the vision.

logo change announcment?

The logo change announcement was made on April 16, 2024. The news channel posted on X and said, While our values remain the same, we are now available in a new avatar. Get ready for a news journey like never before. Experience the all-new DD News! The logo changed from a ruby color to a saffron color.

Why is doordarshan significant?

Doordarshan is significant because it was the first broadcast medium in India. Any polarizing change that takes place in this organization is impactful and influences a wider audience. This saffronisation of the logo is truly sensational. 

Motive?

People are criticizing this revamp and accusing it of being biased and a propaganda move just before the 2024 Lok Sabha election polls.

Criticism?

In a post on X, former Prasar Bharti Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar said Doordarshan is getting saffronised. He said, “It’s not Prasar Bharati any more- it’s Prachar Bharti.”

Netizens also accused the channel of propaganda activities and saffronizing the logo, catering to the state-run government ideology. The saffron color is attributed to the ruling party BJP and its parent organization, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. 

The CEO of Prasar Bharati, Gaurav Dwivedi, took a stand against the criticism and said, “The colour is orange. Six to seven months ago, we revamped the DD India logo to the same colour ahead of the G20. Thus, two news channels from the same group now follow the same visual aesthetic.”