NEW DELHI: National broadcaster Doordarshan has made a notable change to its iconic logo, transitioning from red to ‘saffron’.
The announcement was shared via DD News’s official X handle, heralding the transformation with the message, “While our core values remain steadfast, we present ourselves in a refreshed avatar. Brace yourself for a news experience like never before… Welcome to the all-new DD News!”
However, the alteration has sparked controversy, particularly within the opposition.
Jawhar Sircar, former CEO of Prasar Bharati (DD, AIR) and current Rajya Sabha MP, expressed concern over what he perceives as the ‘saffronisation’ of the national broadcaster.
He said: “National broadcaster Doordarshan colours its historic flagship logo in saffron! As its ex-CEO, I have been observing its saffronisation with alarm and feel — it’s no longer Prasar Bharati; it’s Prachar Bharati!”
Former union information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari of the Congress party criticized the logo colour change, alleging it as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government ploy to exert influence over public institutions.
However, BJP’s Andhra Pradesh vice-president defended the move, highlighting that the original Doordarshan logo, launched in 1959, featured saffron.
In defence of the makeover, Prasar Bharti CEO Gaurav Dwivedi clarified that the new logo sports an eye-catching orange hue, distinct from saffron.
He emphasized it as a visual aesthetic enhancement, noting, “The colour is orange, not saffron.”
Over the years, Doordarshan has undergone logo colour changes, including blue, yellow, and red, while retaining the two petals and globe at its core.
Established on September 15, 1959, Doordarshan initially served as a public service telecasting platform, transitioning into a broadcaster in 1965 with daily transmissions in Delhi.
Over time, its services expanded to Mumbai, Amritsar, and beyond, culminating in its designation as the national broadcaster in 1982.
Today, Doordarshan operates six national and 17 regional channels, representing a significant presence in India’s media landscape.