Doordarshan Faces Criticism Over New Orange Logo; Former Boss Mocks the Change

DD News has unveiled its new logo and promotional video. The English news channel of Doordarshan shared the logo and video on X, stating that while their values remain unchanged, they are presenting themselves in a new avatar. The caption urged viewers to prepare for an unprecedented news experience with the all-new DD News. The release of the new logo garnered criticism online.

Many users pointed out that it was saffron, and the timing of the change, just before elections, raised suspicions. Former Doordarshan CEO Jawhar Sircar expressed disappointment at the “saffronisation” of the logo, citing it as a strategic move before the elections. He also raised concerns about the violation of the Model Code of Conduct, a set of restrictions imposed to ensure fair play during elections. However, the current head of Prasar Bharati, Gaurav Dwivedi, defended the change, stating that it was essential for the channel’s visual aesthetics.

He argued that the color was orange and emphasized that the makeover, including the logo, lighting, and equipment, was in line with the channel’s branding. Sircar, who led Prasar Bharati from 2012 to 2016, expressed his strong opposition to the use of saffron in the national broadcaster’s logo, considering it inappropriate and worrying. He highlighted the move as a deviation from the original essence of Doordarshan, now resembling “Prachar Bharati” instead of Prasar Bharati.