‘Saffronisation of Doordarshan’: After DD News unveils new logo, social media users express alarm

News television channel DD News, the flagship channel of state-run broadcaster Doordarshan, on Tuesday launched a new saffron-coloured logo that replaces its red one.

The state-run news channel unveiled the new logo in a social media post and said that while its values remained the same, it is “now available in a new avatar”.

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!

We have the courage to put:

Accuracy over speed
Facts over claims
Truth over sensationalism

Because if it is on DD News, it… pic.twitter.com/YH230pGBKs— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 16, 2024

Several social media users criticised the change and said it amounted to the “saffronisation” of the state-run broadcaster. The colour saffron is often associated with Hindutva, an ideology espoused by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its parent organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Former Prasar Bharti Chief Executive Officer Jawhar Sircar said that he has been watching Doordarshan’s saffronisation with alarm. “It’s not Prasar Bharati any more – it’s Prachar [propaganda] Bharti,” he remarked.

Doordarshan is one of the divisions of public broadcaster Prasar Bharti, the other being All India Radio.

National broadcaster Doordarshan colours its historic flagship logo in saffron!

As its ex-CEO, I have been watching its saffronisation with alarm and...

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