Doordarshan's logo switch sparks ‘saffronisation’ debate

Doordarshan, India's esteemed government-owned public television broadcaster, has ignited controversy with its recent unveiling of a new logo for its flagship news channel, DD News. The logo transitioned from red to saffron, debuting officially on April 16, 2024, marking a significant visual transformation for the channel.

The decision, however, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and media pundits, alleging the channel's "saffronisation" due to the color's association with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Prasar Bharati, the government-owned broadcaster overseeing Doordarshan, defended the move, asserting that the choice of saffron was purely based on aesthetic considerations, with no political undertones.

Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, clarified that the color change aimed at enhancing visual appeal and maintaining consistency across channels. He emphasized that similar updates had been made to other channels under Prasar Bharati, such as DD India and DD National, in recent months.

However, critics like Jawhar Sircar, former CEO of Prasar Bharati and current Rajya Sabha member from Trinamool Congress, lambasted the decision as part of a broader trend of "saffronisation" in state institutions. Sircar expressed concerns over what he perceives as the fusion of party identity with governmental bodies.

In response, DD News reassured its viewers of its unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, despite the logo alteration. In an official statement, the channel underscored its dedication to accuracy, facts, and truth, inviting audiences to join them on a renewed news journey.

This logo alteration marks another milestone in the illustrious history of Doordarshan, which began as a humble experiment in public service telecasting on September 15, 1959. Doordarshan currently operates six national channels, including DD National, DD India, DD Kisan, DD Sports, DD Urdu, and DD Bharati, along with 17 regional channels catering to diverse linguistic and cultural demographics.

As Doordarshan continues its journey, spanning decades of technological advancement and cultural diversity, the controversy underscores the complex interplay between media, politics, and public perception in India's vibrant democracy.