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{{Short description|India's public service broadcaster}}
{{Short description|India's public service broadcaster}}
{{Distinguish|Doordarshan (film)|DoorDash}}
{{Distinguish|DoorDash}}
{{for|another use|Doordarshan (film)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox broadcasting network
{{Infobox broadcasting network
|name         = Doordarshan
| name = Doordarshan
|image       = Doordarshan Bhawan, Copernicus Marg, Delhi.jpg
| image = Doordarshan Bhawan, Copernicus Marg, Delhi.jpg
|image_alt   = Building with  
| image_alt = Building with
trees and parked cars
trees and parked cars
|caption     = Doordarshan Bhawan in Mandi House, Delhi
| caption = Doordarshan Bhawan at [[Mandi House]], [[New Delhi]]
|country     = India
| country = [[India]]
|language     = Hindi, English, Malayalam, Bengali, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, [[Meitei language|Meitei]] ([[Manipuri language|Manipuri]]), [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Odia language|Odia]]
| language = [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Meitei language|Meitei]], [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Odia language|Odia]]
|motto       = {{lang|sa|सत्यम् शिवम् सुंदरम्}}<br />
| motto = {{lang|sa|सत्यम् शिवम् सुंदरम्}}<br />
("Truth is beautiful and Shiva(Lord) is beautiful")
(“Ultimate reality for one is truth, is Śiva (the auspicious absolute), and is beauty.”)
|headquarters = [[New Delhi, Delhi]]
| headquarters = [[New Delhi, Delhi]]
|key_people   = Shri. Mayank Kumar Agrawal ([[CEO]])
| key_people = Gaurav Dwivedi ([[CEO]])
|network_type = {{ubl|[[Terrestrial television|Broadcast]]|[[Satellite television]]| [[Internet]]|[[Over-the-top media service|OTT]]}}
| network_type = {{ubl|[[Public broadcasting]]|[[Terrestrial television|Broadcast]]|[[Satellite television]]| [[Internet]]|[[Over-the-top media service|OTT]]}}
|available   = Nationwide and Worldwide
| available = India
|owner       = [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]],<br/>[[ Government of India]]
| owner = [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]],<br/>[[Government of India]]
|launch_date  = {{Start date and age|df=y|1959|09|15}}
| parent = [[Prasar Bharati]]
|founder     = [[Government of India]] in 1959
| launch_date = 1959
|website     = {{URL|https://www.doordarshan.gov.in/}}
| founder = [[Government of India]]
|logo         = DD Logo.svg
| website = {{URL|https://www.doordarshan.gov.in/|https://onlinedst.gov.in/PI/PIUploadDocumentsUCSE.aspx/}}
|logo_size   =  
| logo = DD Logo.svg
|image_size   = 200px|broadcast_area=India and World|branding=DD|Picture format=[[1080i]] ([[HDTV]])<br />(downscaled to 16:9 576i for the SDTV feed)|callsign_meaning='''D'''oor'''D'''arshan|screenshot=Doordarshan Bhawan New Delhi.jpg|screenshot_size=200px|screenshot_alt=Doordarshan House}}
| logo_size = 180px
[[File:Doordarshan House.jpg|thumb]]
| image_size = 200px
'''Doordarshan''' (abbreviated as '''DD'''; {{lit|distant vision, television}}) is an Indian [[Public broadcasting|public service broadcaster]] founded by the [[Government of India]], owned by the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] and one of [[Prasar Bharati]]'s two divisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/yop6tSTK4fyVQ9vLkT4EeK/The-future-of-Doordarshan-is-on-the-block.html|title=The future of Doordarshan is on the block|date=November 2016|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820121047/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/yop6tSTK4fyVQ9vLkT4EeK/The-future-of-Doordarshan-is-on-the-block.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As one of India's largest broadcasting organisations in [[studio]] and [[transmitter]] infrastructure, it was established on 15 September 1959.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/doordarshan-turns-57-watch-video-of-its-first-telecast-plus-7-lesser-known-facts-about-dd-lifetv/1/764901.html|title=Doordarshan turns 57; watch video of its first telecast plus 7 lesser-known facts about DD|access-date=13 October 2017|archive-date=21 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021205906/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/doordarshan-turns-57-watch-video-of-its-first-telecast-plus-7-lesser-known-facts-about-dd-lifetv/1/764901.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Doordarshan, which also broadcasts on digital terrestrial transmitters, provides television, [[radio]], [[online]] and mobile service throughout metropolitan and regional India and overseas.
| broadcast_area = Indian Subcontinent
| branding = DD
| Picture format = [[1080p]] ([[HDTV]])<br />(downscaled to 16:9 576i for the SDTV feed)
| callsign_meaning = '''D'''oor'''D'''arshan
| screenshot = Doordarshan Bhawan New Delhi.jpg
| screenshot_size = 200px
| screenshot_alt = Doordarshan House
}}
'''Doordarshan''' ({{lit|distant vision, [[television]]}}), abbreviated as '''DD''', is India's [[State-owned enterprise|state-owned]] [[public broadcasting|public]] [[television broadcaster]]. Established by the [[Government of India]] on 15 September 1959,<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=15 September 2016 |title=Doordarshan turns 57; watch the video of its first telecast plus 7 lesser-known facts about DD |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/top-stories/story/doordarshan-turns-57-watch-video-of-its-first-telecast-plus-7-lesser-known-facts-about-dd-lifetv-341215-2016-09-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021205906/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/doordarshan-turns-57-watch-video-of-its-first-telecast-plus-7-lesser-known-facts-about-dd-lifetv/1/764901.html |archive-date=21 October 2017 |access-date=13 October 2017}}</ref> it is owned by the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] and constitutes one of [[Prasar Bharati]]'s two divisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/yop6tSTK4fyVQ9vLkT4EeK/The-future-of-Doordarshan-is-on-the-block.html|title=The future of Doordarshan is on the block|date=November 2016|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820121047/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/yop6tSTK4fyVQ9vLkT4EeK/The-future-of-Doordarshan-is-on-the-block.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Doordarshan, one of India's largest broadcasting organisations in studio and [[transmitter]] infrastructure, delivers television, [[radio]], online, and mobile services across metropolitan and regional India, and internationally. It also broadcasts via digital terrestrial transmitters.


== History ==
== History ==
=== Beginnings ===
=== Beginnings ===
[[File:Doordarshan 60th Foundation Day Stamps.jpg|thumb|A sheet of stamps released in 2019 on the occasion of Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day.]]
[[File:Doordarshan 60th Foundation Day Stamps.jpg|thumb|A sheet of stamps released in 2019 on the occasion of Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day]]
[[File:Doordarshan 60th Foundation Day Stamp.jpg|thumb|A stamp on Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day.]]
[[File:Doordarshan 60th Foundation Day Stamp.jpg|thumb|A stamp on Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day]]
The channel began modestly as an experimental broadcaster in [[Delhi]] on 15 September 1959, with a small transmitter and a makeshift studio. Regular daily transmission started in 1965 as part of [[All India Radio]], with a five-minute news bulletin read by [[Pratima Puri]]. [[Salma Sultan]] joined Doordarshan in 1967, and became a news anchor.


''[[Krishi Darshan]]'' debuted on Doordarshan on 26 January 1967, and is Indian television's longest running program.<ref name="deb2009lad">{{Citation | title=Indian Democracy: Problems and Prospects | author=Sharmila Mitra Deb | date=July 2009 | publisher=Anthem Press, 2009 | isbn=978-81-907570-4-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_XFvehm9NmcC | quote=the well-known program Krishi Darshan, which started its telecast on January 26, 1967... 'informing' and 'educating' the farmers about improving agricultural productivity | access-date=15 November 2015 | archive-date=1 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501190107/https://books.google.com/books?id=_XFvehm9NmcC | url-status=live }}</ref>
The channel began modestly as an experimental broadcaster in [[Delhi]] on 15 September 1959, with a small transmitter and a makeshift studio. Regular daily transmission commenced in 1965 as part of [[All India Radio]], with a five-minute news bulletin read by [[Pratima Puri]]. [[Salma Sultan]] joined Doordarshan in 1967 and became a news anchor. [[Gitanjali Aiyar]], Neethi Ravindran, and Rini Simon became popular news anchors in the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=2023-06-07 |title=Gitanjali Aiyar, popular Doordarshan news anchor, passes away |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gitanjali-aiyar-popular-tv-news-anchor-passes-away/article66943748.ece |access-date=2023-12-31 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


Television service was extended to [[Mumbai|Bombay]] (now Mumbai) and [[Amritsar]] in 1972. Until 1975 only seven Indian cities had television service, and Doordarshan was the country's sole television provider.
''[[Krishi Darshan]]'', which debuted on Doordarshan on 26 January 1967, is considered Indian television's longest-running programme.<ref name="deb2009lad">{{Citation | title=Indian Democracy: Problems and Prospects | author=Sharmila Mitra Deb | date=July 2009 | publisher=Anthem Press, 2009 | isbn=978-81-907570-4-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_XFvehm9NmcC | quote=the well-known program Krishi Darshan, which started its telecast on January 26, 1967... 'informing' and 'educating' the farmers about improving agricultural productivity | access-date=15 November 2015 | archive-date=1 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501190107/https://books.google.com/books?id=_XFvehm9NmcC | url-status=live }}</ref>


Television service was separated from radio on 1 April 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011821095/short-essay-on-development-of-television-in-india.html|title=Short essay on Development of Television in India|first=Payal|last=Kamat|date=18 January 2012|access-date=20 December 2016|archive-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104035419/http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011821095/short-essay-on-development-of-television-in-india.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The All India Radio and Doordarshan were placed under the management of separate directors-general in New Delhi. In 1982, Doordarshan became a national broadcaster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Brief History of Television in India|url=https://www.davuniversity.org/images/files/study-material/History%20of%20DD.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=14 August 2021|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814011244/https://www.davuniversity.org/images/files/study-material/History%20of%20DD.pdf}}</ref>
Television services were expanded to [[Mumbai|Bombay]] (now Mumbai) and [[Amritsar]] in 1972. By 1975, only seven Indian cities had access to television, with Doordarshan being the sole provider in the country.
 
On 1 April 1976, television services were officially separated from radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011821095/short-essay-on-development-of-television-in-india.html|title=Short essay on Development of Television in India|first=Payal|last=Kamat|date=18 January 2012|access-date=20 December 2016|archive-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104035419/http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011821095/short-essay-on-development-of-television-in-india.html|url-status=live}}</ref> All India Radio and Doordarshan were placed under the management of separate Directors-General in New Delhi. In 1982, Doordarshan transitioned into a national broadcaster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Brief History of Television in India|url=https://www.davuniversity.org/images/files/study-material/History%20of%20DD.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=14 August 2021|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814011244/https://www.davuniversity.org/images/files/study-material/History%20of%20DD.pdf}}</ref>


=== Nationwide transmission ===
=== Nationwide transmission ===


National telecasts ([[DD National]]) was introduced in 1982. [[Color television|Colour television]] began in India with the live telecast of the [[Independence Day (India)|Independence Day]] speech by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Indira Gandhi]] on 15 August of that year, followed by the colour telecast of the [[1982 Asian Games]] in [[Delhi]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhalla|first=Sahil|title=Flashback 1982: The Asian Games that transformed Delhi|url=http://scroll.in/article/680435/flashback-1982-the-asian-games-that-transformed-delhi|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Scroll.in|date=25 September 2014 |language=en-US|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231023101/https://scroll.in/article/680435/flashback-1982-the-asian-games-that-transformed-delhi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 24, 2009|title=1982-Colour television is introduced: Out of the dark ages|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20091228-1982-colour-television-is-introduced-out-of-the-dark-ages-741614-2009-12-24|access-date=2021-12-31|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231023055/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20091228-1982-colour-television-is-introduced-out-of-the-dark-ages-741614-2009-12-24|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, Doordarshan as a TV network finally took shape: the then sole TV channel was split into the nationally aired DD-1 and city channel DD-2, later rebranded in 1993 as ''DD National'' and ''DD Metro''.
National telecasts ([[DD National]]) were introduced in 1982. [[Color television|Colour television]] in India was introduced with the live telecast of Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]]'s Independence Day speech on 15 August 1982, followed by the colour broadcast of the [[1982 Asian Games]] held in Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhalla|first=Sahil|title=Flashback 1982: The Asian Games that transformed Delhi|url=http://scroll.in/article/680435/flashback-1982-the-asian-games-that-transformed-delhi|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Scroll.in|date=25 September 2014 |language=en-US|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231023101/https://scroll.in/article/680435/flashback-1982-the-asian-games-that-transformed-delhi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 24, 2009|title=1982-Colour television is introduced: Out of the dark ages|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20091228-1982-colour-television-is-introduced-out-of-the-dark-ages-741614-2009-12-24|access-date=2021-12-31|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231023055/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20091228-1982-colour-television-is-introduced-out-of-the-dark-ages-741614-2009-12-24|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, Doordarshan evolved into a structured TV network. The sole TV channel was split into DD-1, a nationally broadcast channel, and DD-2, a city-focused channel. In 1993, they were rebranded as DD National and DD Metro to compete with the then-newly privatised television industry.


Live telecasts of the opening and closing ceremonies of the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] were broadcast on its national channel, and [[DD Sports]] provided round-the-clock coverage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment/entertainment/doordarshan-to-live-telecast-london-olympics-opening-and-closing-ceremonies/articleshow/15146433.cms|title=Doordarshan to live telecast London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies|date=25 July 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 July 2012|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183907/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment/entertainment/doordarshan-to-live-telecast-london-olympics-opening-and-closing-ceremonies/articleshow/15146433.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
According to Mitra, with the start of nationwide transmission in the 1980s Doordarshan began to push a homogenous hegemonic national image of India as a [[North India|North Indian]] [[Hindus|Hindu]] [[Hindi]]-speaking nation via the broadcast of shows such as [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|''Mahabharat'' (1988 TV series)]] and [[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|''Ramayan'' (1987 TV series)]]. Mitra states Doordarshan's choice of programming depicted other religions, regions, and languages as "marginal or sometimes deviant".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mitra |first=Ananda |date=1993 |title=Television and the Nation: Doordarshan's India |journal=Media Asia |volume=20 |issue=1 |doi=10.1080/01296612.1993.11726404}}</ref>


On 17 November 2014, Doordarshan director-general Vijayalaxmi Chhabra introduced a pink-and-purple colour scheme and a new slogan: ''Desh Ka Apna Channel'' ("The country's own channel").<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DD-National-to-be-relaunched-as-Desh-Ka-Apna-Channel/articleshow/45155201.cms|title=DD National to be relaunched as 'Desh Ka Apna Channel'|date=15 November 2014|access-date=16 November 2014|archive-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206014256/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DD-National-to-be-relaunched-as-Desh-Ka-Apna-Channel/articleshow/45155201.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Doordarshan transmitted over a network of nearly 1,400 terrestrial transmitters in 2017, with 46 studios producing TV programmes.<ref>[https://www.channellist.in/dd-free-dish/ Doordarshan Channel List (2017)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223701/https://www.channellist.in/dd-free-dish/ |date=17 February 2017 }}. DD Free Dish Channels, 17 February 2017</ref> After the introduction of private channels Doordarshan is struggling to keep its position in the television space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/doordarshan-a-struggle-for-relevance/1088480/|title=Doordarshan: A struggle for relevance|date=6 March 2018|website=The Financial Express|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135235/https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/doordarshan-a-struggle-for-relevance/1088480/|url-status=live}}</ref> Currently Doordarshan is trying to improve its studios and programmes while its primary aim is to serve the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/indias-radio-signals-got-more-reach-in-pakistan-than-their-in-india-rathore/|title=India's radio signals got more reach in Pakistan than their in India: Rathore|date=7 February 2019|website=Jammu Kashmir Latest News|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011758/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/indias-radio-signals-got-more-reach-in-pakistan-than-their-in-india-rathore/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The live telecasts of the opening and closing ceremonies of the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] were aired on Doordarshan's national channel, while [[DD Sports]] offered round-the-clock coverage of the event.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment/entertainment/doordarshan-to-live-telecast-london-olympics-opening-and-closing-ceremonies/articleshow/15146433.cms|title=Doordarshan to live telecast London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies|date=25 July 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 July 2012|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183907/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment/entertainment/doordarshan-to-live-telecast-london-olympics-opening-and-closing-ceremonies/articleshow/15146433.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>


== {{anchor|Current channels}}Channels ==
On 17 November 2014, Doordarshan director-general Vijayalaxmi Chhabra introduced a pink-and-purple colour scheme with a new slogan: ''Desh Ka Apna Channel'' ("The country's own channel").<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DD-National-to-be-relaunched-as-Desh-Ka-Apna-Channel/articleshow/45155201.cms|title=DD National to be relaunched as 'Desh Ka Apna Channel'|date=15 November 2014|access-date=16 November 2014|archive-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206014256/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DD-National-to-be-relaunched-as-Desh-Ka-Apna-Channel/articleshow/45155201.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Doordarshan operated a network of nearly 1,400 terrestrial transmitters and had 46 studios producing television programmes.<ref>[https://www.channellist.in/dd-free-dish/ Doordarshan Channel List (2017)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223701/https://www.channellist.in/dd-free-dish/ |date=17 February 2017 }}. DD Free Dish Channels, 17 February 2017</ref> After introducing private channels, Doordarshan has faced challenges in maintaining its position in the television industry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/doordarshan-a-struggle-for-relevance/1088480/|title=Doordarshan: A struggle for relevance|date=6 March 2018|website=The Financial Express|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135235/https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/doordarshan-a-struggle-for-relevance/1088480/|url-status=live}}</ref> Currently, Doordarshan focuses on improving its studios and programmes, primarily aimed to serve the nation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/indias-radio-signals-got-more-reach-in-pakistan-than-their-in-india-rathore/|title=India's radio signals got more reach in Pakistan than they are in India: Rathore|date=7 February 2019|website=Jammu Kashmir Latest News|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011758/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/indias-radio-signals-got-more-reach-in-pakistan-than-their-in-india-rathore/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Doordarshan operates 46 studios and 21 television channels: two all-India channels ([[DD National]] and [[DD News]]),<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irregular-doordarshan-appointments-quashed/article634149.ece|title = 'Irregular' Doordarshan appointments quashed|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 14 September 2010|last1 = Jebaraj|first1 = Priscilla|access-date = 6 May 2014|archive-date = 6 May 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140506102845/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irregular-doordarshan-appointments-quashed/article634149.ece|url-status = live}}</ref> 17 regional satellite channels, 11 state networks, an international channel ([[DD India]]), a sports channel ([[DD Sports]]), [[DD Bharati]], [[DD Retro]], [[DD Urdu]] and an agricultural channel, [[DD Kisan]]. On DD National (formerly DD-1), regional and local programs are carried on a time-sharing basis for terrestrial broadcasting only. DD News, launched on 3 November 2003 replacing [[DD Metro]] (formerly known as the DD-2 entertainment channel), provides 24-hour news. These channels are relayed by all terrestrial transmitters in India. The regional-language satellite channels have two components: a regional service for a particular state (relayed by all terrestrial transmitters in the state), and additional programs in the regional language available through cable operators and DTH operators. DD Sports broadcasts sporting events of national and international importance. It is the only sports channel which telecasts rural sports such as [[kho-kho]] and [[kabbadi]].
DD National and [[DD News]]<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Jebaraj |first1=Priscilla |date=14 September 2010 |title='Irregular' Doordarshan appointments quashed |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irregular-doordarshan-appointments-quashed/article634149.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506102845/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irregular-doordarshan-appointments-quashed/article634149.ece |archive-date=6 May 2014 |access-date=6 May 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>—along with 17 regional satellite channels, 11 state networks, an international channel ([[DD India]]), a sports channel (DD Sports), cultural and informative channels like [[DD Bharati]] and [[DD Urdu]], and an agricultural channel, [[DD Kisan]]. On DD National (formerly DD-1), regional and local programs are aired on a time-sharing basis for terrestrial broadcasting only. DD News, launched on 3 November 2003, replaced [[DD Metro]] (formerly DD-2), providing 24-hour news coverage. These channels are relayed through all terrestrial transmitters in India. The regional-language satellite channels consist of two components: a regional service for a specific state (relayed by all terrestrial transmitters in that state) and additional regional-language programs available through cable and DTH operators. DD Sports broadcasts national and international sporting events and is the only channel to air rural sports such as [[Kho kho|kho-kho]] and [[kabaddi]].


A new regional channel, [[DD Arunprabha]] (a 24/7 satellite television channel focusing on the [[Northeast India|North Eastern region]]) was scheduled to begin on 15 February 2018;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-launch-new-doordarshan-channel-dd-arun-prabha-for-the-north-east-in-arunachal-pradesh-1811881|title=PM Modi To Launch New Doordarshan Channel for the North East in Arunachal Pradesh|work=NDTV.com|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126134855/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-launch-new-doordarshan-channel-dd-arun-prabha-for-the-north-east-in-arunachal-pradesh-1811881|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-to-launch-dd-arun-prabha-on-feb-15/articleshow/62887849.cms|title=PM to launch DD Arun Prabha on Feb 15|work=The Times of India|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126150631/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-to-launch-dd-arun-prabha-on-feb-15/articleshow/62887849.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> however, its launch was placed on hold.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/071018/launch-of-dds-arun-prabha-put-on-hold.html|title=Launch of DD's Arun Prabha put on hold|date=7 October 2018|work=The Asian Age|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135136/http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/071018/launch-of-dds-arun-prabha-put-on-hold.html|url-status=live}}</ref> DD Arunprabha was launched on 9 February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=359495|title=PM Modi launches DD Arun Prabha channel in Itanagar today|website=newsonair.com|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180822/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=359495|url-status=live}}</ref>
A new regional channel, [[DD Arunprabha]], was initially scheduled to begin broadcasting on 15 February 2018,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-launch-new-doordarshan-channel-dd-arun-prabha-for-the-north-east-in-arunachal-pradesh-1811881|title=PM Modi To Launch New Doordarshan Channel for the North East in Arunachal Pradesh|work=NDTV.com|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126134855/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-launch-new-doordarshan-channel-dd-arun-prabha-for-the-north-east-in-arunachal-pradesh-1811881|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-to-launch-dd-arun-prabha-on-feb-15/articleshow/62887849.cms|title=PM to launch DD Arun Prabha on Feb 15|work=The Times of India|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126150631/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-to-launch-dd-arun-prabha-on-feb-15/articleshow/62887849.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> focusing on the [[Northeast India|North Eastern region]] of India as a 24/7 satellite television channel. However, its launch was delayed<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/071018/launch-of-dds-arun-prabha-put-on-hold.html|title=Launch of DD's Arun Prabha put on hold|date=7 October 2018|work=The Asian Age|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135136/http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/071018/launch-of-dds-arun-prabha-put-on-hold.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and eventually took place on 9 February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=359495|title=PM Modi launches DD Arun Prabha channel in Itanagar today|website=newsonair.com|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180822/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=359495|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 9 March 2019, [[Prasar Bharati]] brought 11 more State DD Channels on the Satellite footprint of India through [[DD Free Dish]]. This includes five channels for Northeastern states. These are – [[DD Bangla]], [[DD Chhattisgarh]], [[DD Goa]], [[DD Haryana]], [[DD Himachal Pradesh]], [[DD Jharkhand]], [[DD Manipur]], [[DD Meghalaya]], [[DD Mizoram]], [[DD Nagaland]], [[DD Tripura]] and [[DD Uttarakhand]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=360791|title=11 more State DD Channels on Satellite footprint|work=NewsOnAIR|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204021340/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=360791|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prasar-bharati-brought-11-more-state-doordarshan-channels-on-satellite-footprint-pm-modi-5618448/|title=Prasar Bharati brought 11 more state Doordarshan channels on satellite footprint: PM Modi|work=TheIndianExpress|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107225852/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prasar-bharati-brought-11-more-state-doordarshan-channels-on-satellite-footprint-pm-modi-5618448/|url-status=live}}</ref> DD Bangla launched on 9 August 1975, the network's programming consists of soap operas, [[infotainment]] series, news and current affairs, social programs and films in [[Bengali language]].
On 9 March 2019, [[Prasar Bharati]] expanded Indian's satellite footprint through [[DD Free Dish]] by adding 11 more state DD channels. This included five channels for the North Eastern states: [[DD Bangla]], [[DD Chhattisgarh]], DD Goa, [[DD Haryana]], [[DD Himachal Pradesh]], [[DD Jharkhand]], DD Manipur, DD Meghalaya, [[DD Mizoram]], DD Nagaland, [[DD Tripura]], and [[DD Uttarakhand]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=360791|title=11 more State DD Channels on Satellite footprint|work=NewsOnAIR|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204021340/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=360791|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prasar-bharati-brought-11-more-state-doordarshan-channels-on-satellite-footprint-pm-modi-5618448/|title=Prasar Bharati brought 11 more state Doordarshan channels on satellite footprint: PM Modi|work=TheIndianExpress|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107225852/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prasar-bharati-brought-11-more-state-doordarshan-channels-on-satellite-footprint-pm-modi-5618448/|url-status=live}}</ref> DD Bangla, launched on 9 August 1975, features a programming mix that includes soap operas, [[infotainment]] series, news and current affairs, social programs, and films, all in [[Bengali language|Bangla]].


On 13 April 2020, [[DD Retro]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/covid-19-lockdown-prasar-bharti-launches-dd-retro-to-invoke-nostalgia-11586754534432.html|title=Covid-19 lockdown: Prasar Bharti launches DD Retro to invoke nostalgia|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-date=16 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416091037/https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/covid-19-lockdown-prasar-bharti-launches-dd-retro-to-invoke-nostalgia-11586754534432.html|url-status=live}}</ref> was launched by [[Prasar Bharati]] which showed old classic Hindi serials of Doordarshan.
On 13 April 2020, Prasar Bharati launched [[DD Retro]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19 lockdown: Prasar Bharti launches DD Retro to invoke nostalgia |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/covid-19-lockdown-prasar-bharti-launches-dd-retro-to-invoke-nostalgia-11586754534432.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416091037/https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/covid-19-lockdown-prasar-bharti-launches-dd-retro-to-invoke-nostalgia-11586754534432.html |archive-date=16 April 2020 |access-date=14 April 2020}}</ref> a channel dedicated to airing classic [[Hindi]] serials from Doordarshan. However, the service ceased operations on 1 April 2023 due to low viewership.


==Channel list==
==Channel list==
=== {{anchor|International channel}}International channels ===
Doordarshan operates 44 channels, including HD feeds.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:middle"
 
!style="width:180pt; background:Cyan;"|Channel
=== National channels (7) ===
!style="width:180pt; background:Violet;"|Programming
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="width:300pt; background:Cyan;"|Language
!style="width:180pt"|Channel
!style="width:180pt; background: Violet;"|Notes
!style="width:180pt"|Launched
!style="width:300pt"|Language
!style="width:300pt"|Category
!style="width:180pt"|SD/HD
!style="width:300pt"|Notes
|-
|-
| [[DD International]]<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-05-19|title=Doordarshan plans to launch DD International to present 'India story'|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/doordarshan-plans-to-launch-dd-international-to-present-india-story/article34600306.ece|access-date=2021-05-20|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520071918/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/doordarshan-plans-to-launch-dd-international-to-present-india-story/article34600306.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-20|title=Centre to set up 'BBC-like' channel to push India view|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-to-set-up-bbc-like-channel-to-push-india-view-7322205/|access-date=2021-05-20|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520081529/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-to-set-up-bbc-like-channel-to-push-india-view-7322205/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| [[DD National]]
| [[News]] and [[Cultural]] [[Infotainment]]
| 1959
| English
| [[Hindi]]
| Proposed
| General Entertainment
| SD+HD
| Formerly DD1
|-
|-
|[[DD India]]
| [[DD India]]
|[[News]]
| 1992
|English
| [[English language|English]]
|SD+HD
| International news
|}
| SD+HD
 
| Formerly DD International
=== {{anchor|National channel}}National channels ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:middle"
!style="width:180pt; background: Cyan;"|Channel
!style="width:180pt; background:Lime;"|Programming
!style="width:300pt; background:Cyan;"|Language
!style="width:300pt; background:Lime;"|SD/HD availability
|-
|-
|[[DD National]]  
| [[DD Sports]]
|[[General Entertainment]] and [[News]]
| 1998
|[[Hindi]] and English
| [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]]
| rowspan="3" |SD+HD
| [[Sports journalism|Sports]]
| SD+HD
|
|-
|-
|[[DD News]]
| [[DD Bharati]]
|[[News]]
| 2002
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]]
| [[Art]] and [[Cultural]] [[Infotainment]]
| SD
| Replaced DD3
|-
|-
|[[DD Sports]]
| [[DD News]]
|[[Sport]]s
| 2003
|[[Hindi]] and English
| [[Hindi]]
| [[News broadcasting| News and Current Affairs]]
| SD+HD
| Replaced DD Metro (formerly DD2 and DD2 Metro)
|-
|-
|[[DD Bharati]]
| [[DD Urdu]]
|[[Art]] and [[Cultural]] [[Infotainment]]
| 2006
|[[Hindi]] and English
| [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
| rowspan="4" |SD
| [[Infotainment]]
| SD
|  
|-
|-
|[[DD Kisan]]
|[[DD Kisan]]
|[[Agricultural]] [[Infotainment]]
| 2015
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Hindi]]
|-
| [[Agricultural]] [[Infotainment]]
|[[DD Urdu]]
| SD+HD
|[[Infotainment]]
|  
|[[Urdu language|Urdu]]
|-
|-
|[[DD Retro]]
|Old [[Classic]] [[General Entertainment]]
|[[Hindi]]
|}
|}


=== {{anchor|Regional language channel}}Regional channels ===
==={{anchor|Regional language channel}}Regional channels (28)===
====State Network====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:middle"
!style="width:180pt"|Channel
!style="width:180pt; background:Cyan;"|Channel
!style="width:300pt"|Language
!style="width:180pt; background: Yellow;"|Language
!style="width:300pt"|Region
!style="width:300pt; background:Cyan;"|Region
!style="width:180pt"|SD/HD
!style="width:300pt"|Former Names
|-
|-
|[[DD Arunprabha]]
| [[DD Arunprabha]]
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Arunachal Pradesh]]
| [[Arunachal Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
|-
|[[DD Assam]]
| [[DD Assam]]
|[[Assamese language|Assamese]]
| [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
|[[Assam]]
| [[Assam]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
|-
|[[DD Bangla]]
| [[DD Bangla]]
|[[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Santali language|Santhali]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]] and [[Nepali Language|Nepali]]  
|[[West Bengal]]
| [[West Bengal]]
| SD
| DD7
|-
|-
|[[DD Bihar]]
| [[DD Bihar]]
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Bihar]]
| [[Bihar]]
| SD
|
|-
|-
|[[DD Chandana]]
| [[DD Chandana]]
|[[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
|[[Karnataka]]
| [[Karnataka]]
| SD
| DD9
|-
|-
|[[DD Chhattisgarh]]
| [[DD Chhattisgarh]]
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Chhattisgarh]]
| [[Chhattisgarh]]
| SD
|
|-
|-
|[[DD Girnar]]
| [[DD Girnar]]
|[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
| [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
|[[Gujarat]]
| [[Gujarat]]
| SD+HD
| Doordarshan Kendra Ahmedabad
|-
|-
|[[DD Goa]]
| [[DD Haryana]]
|[[Konkani language|Konkani]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Goa]]
| [[Haryana]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Hisar
|-
|-
|[[DD Haryana]]
| [[DD Himachal Pradesh]]
|[[Hindi]] and [[Haryanvi language|Haryanvi]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Haryana]]
| [[Himachal Pradesh]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Shimla
|-
|-
|[[DD Himachal Pradesh]]
| [[DD Jharkhand]]
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Hindi]], [[Nagpuri language|Nagpuri]], and [[Santali language|Santali]]
|[[Himachal Pradesh]]
| [[Jharkhand]]
| SD
|
|-
|-
|[[DD Jharkhand]]
| [[DD Kashir]]  
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] and [[Gojri language|Gojri]]
|[[Jharkhand]]
| [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]  
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, Jammu and Leh
|-
|-
|[[DD Madhya Pradesh]]
| [[DD Madhya Pradesh]]
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Madhya Pradesh]]
| [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD11
|-
|-
|[[DD Malayalam]]
| [[DD Malayalam]]
|[[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
|[[Kerala]]
| [[Kerala]]
| SD
| DD4
|-
|-
|[[DD Manipur]]
| DD Manipur
|[[Meitei language|Meitei]]
| [[Meitei language|Meitei]] (aka [[Manipuri language|Manipuri]])<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Dr Paramveer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ncg7EAAAQBAJ&dq=manipuri+language+doordarshan&pg=PA43 |title=Indian Silver Screen |date=2021-08-05 |publisher=K.K. Publications |pages=43, 65, 66 |language=en | quote= ...The centre broadcasts most of its programs in the Manipuri language... }}</ref>
|[[Manipur]]
| [[Manipur]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
|-
|[[DD Meghalaya]]
| DD Meghalaya
|[[Khasi language|Khasi]] and [[Indian English|English]]
| [[Khasi language|Khasi]] and [[Indian English|English]]
|[[Meghalaya]]
| [[Meghalaya]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
|-
|[[DD Mizoram]]
| [[DD Mizoram]]
|[[Mizo language|Mizo]]
| [[Mizo language|Mizo]]
|[[Mizoram]]
| [[Mizoram]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Aizawl
|-
|-
|[[DD Nagaland]]
| DD Nagaland
|[[Indian English|English]]
| [[Indian English|English]]
|[[Nagaland]]
| [[Nagaland]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
|-
|[[DD Odia]]
| [[DD Odia]]
|[[Odia language|Odia]]
| [[Odia language|Odia]] and [[Santali language|Santali]]
|[[Odisha]]
| [[Odisha]]
| SD+HD
| DD6
|-
|-
|[[DD Podhigai]]
| [[DD Panaji]]
|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| [[Konkani language|Konkani]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|[[Tamilnadu]]
| [[Goa]]
|-
| SD
|[[DD Punjabi]]
|
|[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
|[[Punjab, India|Punjab]]
|-
|[[DD Rajasthan]]
|[[Hindi]] and [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]]
|[[Rajasthan]]
 
|-
|[[DD Sahyadri]]
|[[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|[[Maharashtra]]
|-
|[[DD Saptagiri]]
|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|[[Andhra Pradesh]]
|-
|[[DD Tripura]]
|[[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Kokborok language|Kokborok]]
|[[Tripura]]
|-
|[[DD Uttarakhand]]
|[[Hindi]], [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]] and [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]
|[[Uttarakhand]]
|-
|-
|[[DD Uttar Pradesh]]
| [[DD Punjabi]]
|[[Hindi]]
| [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
|[[Uttar Pradesh]]
| [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Jalandhar
|-
|-
|[[DD Yadagiri]]
| [[DD Rajasthan]]
|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Telangana]]
| [[Rajasthan]]
|}
| SD
 
| Doordarshan Kendra Rajasthan
====UT Network====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:middle"
!style="width:180pt; background:Cyan;"|Channel
!style="width:180pt; background:Coral;"|Language
!style="width:300pt; background:Cyan;"|Region
|-
|-
|[[DD Andaman and Nicobar]]
| [[DD Sahyadri]]
|[[Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Malayalam]]
| [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|[[Andaman Islands|Andaman]] and [[Nicobar Islands|Nicobar]]
| [[Maharashtra]]
| SD+HD
| DD10
|-
|-
|[[DD Chandigarh]]
| [[DD Saptagiri]]
|[[Hindi]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|[[Chandigarh]]
| [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD8
|-
|-
|[[DD Dadra and Nagar Haveli]]
| [[DD Tamil]]
|[[Hindi]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|[[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]]
| [[Tamil Nadu]]
| SD+HD
| DD5, DD Podhigai
|-
|-
|[[DD Daman and Diu]]
| [[DD Tripura]]
|[[Hindi]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Kokborok language|Kokborok]]
|[[Daman, India|Daman]] and [[Diu, India|Diu]]
| [[Tripura]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Agartala
|-
|-
|[[DD Kashir]]
| [[DD Uttarakhand]]
|[[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]]
| [[Hindi]], [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]] and [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]
|[[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| [[Uttarakhand]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Uttarakhand
|-
|-
|[[DD Lakshadweep]]
| [[DD Uttar Pradesh]]
|[[Malayalam]]
| [[Hindi]]
|[[Lakshadweep]]
| [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD16
|-
|-
|[[DD Pondicherry]]
| [[DD Yadagiri]]
|[[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Malayalam]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
|[[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]
| [[Telangana]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad
|}
|}


===Former Channels===
===Former channels===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
!Channel
!Channel
!Launched
!Language
!Defunct
!From
!Notes
!Until
|-
|DD 2
|1984
|1993
|Renamed to [[DD Metro]]
|-
|-
|DD Metro
|[[DD Metro]]
|1993
|Hindi
|1984
|2003
|2003
|Converted into [[DD News]]
|-
|-
|Metro Gold
|[[DD Retro]]
|2000
|Hindi
|2001
|2020
|Aired on DD Metro
|2023
|-
|DD International
|1995
|2000
|Renamed to DD World
|-
|DD World
|2000
|2002
|Renamed to [[DD India]]
|-
|DD CNNi
|1995
|1997
|
|-
|DD 3
|1995
|1996
|Merged with DD Movie Club
|-
|DD Movie Club
|1995
|1996
|Merged with DD-3
|-
|DD3-Movie Club
|1996
|1998
|Replaced by [[DD Sports]]
|-
|DD News (Old channel)
|1999
|2002
|Replaced by [[DD Bharati]]
|}
|}
==Room==
*Windows 7
*Windows 95
*Windows 10


== International broadcasting ==
== International broadcasting ==
The [[DD India]] satellite channel has been broadcast in 146 countries. In the United Kingdom, it was available through the [[Eurobird]] satellite on the Sky system's channel 833; its logo was Rayat TV. Transmission via [[Sky Digital (UK & Ireland)|Sky Digital]] ended in June 2008, and via [[DirecTV]] in the United States the following month.
The [[DD India]] satellite channel has been broadcast in 146 countries. In the [[United Kingdom]], it was available through the [[Eurobird]] satellite on the Sky system's channel 833, under the logo Rayat TV. However, transmission via [[Sky UK|Sky Digital]] ended in June 2008, followed by the termination of its broadcast via [[DirecTV]] in the [[United States]] the following month.


== Record viewership during the pandemic ==
== Record viewership during the pandemic COVID-19 ==
{{Recentism|date=March 2023}}
{{Recentism|date=March 2023}}
Ramayan on DD National created a world record by becoming highest viewed entertainment programme globally. The 9 PM show on 16 April 2020 was watched by a mammoth 7.7 crore (77 million) viewers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus Lockdown Creates Captive Audience for '80s Show |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdown-creates-captive-audience-for-80s-show-11588082808 |publisher=wsj |date=April 28, 2020 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223093512/https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdown-creates-captive-audience-for-80s-show-11588082808 |url-status=live }}</ref> The show managed to reach more than 28.5 crore (285 million) viewers through the length of the broadcast. As a broadcasting response to nation-wide lockdown, apart from Ramayan, many other nostalgia shows were broadcast on DD network. These included Mahabharat, Chanakya, Shri Krishna, Byomkesh Bakshi and Shaktimaan.  
The ''[[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|Ramayan]]'' on DD National set a world record by becoming the highest-viewed entertainment programme globally. The 9:00&nbsp;p.m. broadcast on 16 April 2020 was watched by 77 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus Lockdown Creates Captive Audience for '80s Show |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdown-creates-captive-audience-for-80s-show-11588082808 |url-access=subscription |first1=Eric |last1=Bellman |publisher=wsj |date=April 28, 2020 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223093512/https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdown-creates-captive-audience-for-80s-show-11588082808 |url-status=live }}</ref> The show reached over 285 million viewers during its broadcast. In response to the nationwide lockdown, DD network aired several nostalgic shows, including ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'', ''[[Chanakya (TV series)|Chanakya]]'', ''[[Shri Krishna (1993 TV series)|Shri Krishna]]'', ''[[Malgudi Days (TV series)|Malgudi Days]]'', ''[[Byomkesh Bakshi (TV series)|Byomkesh Bakshi]]'', and ''[[Shaktimaan]]''. Due to increasing public demand for such content, Prasar Bharati launched DD Retro, a full-time channel dedicated to classic programming. Within five weeks of its launch, DD Retro garnered viewership of nearly 50 million. Additionally, the DD network played a key role in public messaging during the pandemic, reaching over 400 million viewers through COVID-19 awareness messages and shows during the first wave of 2020.
In light of increasing public demand for such retro content, Prasar Bharati launched ‘DD Retro’ as a full-time channel dedicated for the same. The channel started garnering viewership of almost 5 crore (50 million) within five weeks of its launch.  
Delivering on its mandate of public messaging, DD network, through COVID-focused awareness messages and shows, reached more than 40 crore (400 million) viewers during first wave of the pandemic in 2020.


== {{anchor|Allegations of state control|Commercial viability}}Criticisms ==
== {{anchor|Allegations of state control|Commercial viability}}Criticisms ==
[[Prasar Bharati]] is Doordarshan's parent body, and its board members are appointed by the [[Government of India]] through the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Information and Broadcasting Ministry]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ddbhopal.nic.in/RTI/32.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=28 May 2009 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165106/http://ddbhopal.nic.in/RTI/32.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[Prasar Bharati]] is the parent body of Doordarshan, and the [[Government of India]] appoints its board members through the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ddbhopal.nic.in/RTI/32.pdf |title=Powers of the Director Doordarshan Kendra Bhopal |website=Doordarshan Bhopal |access-date=28 May 2009 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165106/http://ddbhopal.nic.in/RTI/32.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Relevance inline|discuss=where is criticism?|date=June 2024}}
Doordarshan has been used, especially during the [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]], to disseminate government propaganda.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040126/asp/nation/story_2827052.asp |title=Channel war drives DD to shelve bias |work=The Telegraph |date=26 January 2004 |access-date=29 May 2012 |location=New Delhi |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024111251/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040126/asp/nation/story_2827052.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> During [[Operation Blue Star]] in 1984, only government sources were used to report the story. Doordarshan was complicit in the production of a video claiming acts of violence which, when investigated by independent journalists, were found to be false.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}
 
Doordarshan has been used, particularly during the [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]], to disseminate government propaganda.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040126/asp/nation/story_2827052.asp |title=Channel war drives DD to shelve bias |work=The Telegraph |date=26 January 2004 |access-date=29 May 2012 |location=New Delhi |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024111251/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040126/asp/nation/story_2827052.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> During [[Operation Blue Star]] in 1984, only government sources were relied upon for reporting the events. Additionally, Doordarshan was involved in the production of a video that claimed acts of violence, which, when investigated by independent journalists, were found to be false.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}


In 2004, it censored a controversial documentary on [[Jayaprakash Narayan]], an opposition leader during the Emergency.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kuldip Nayar Posted: 9 November 2004 at 0012 hrs IST |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/58549/ |title=Censoring his own past |work=The Indian Express |date=9 November 2004 |access-date=29 May 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231150025/http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/58549 |url-status=live }}</ref>  
In 2004, it censored a controversial documentary on [[Jayaprakash Narayan]], an opposition leader during the Emergency.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kuldip Nayar Posted: 9 November 2004 at 0012 hrs IST |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/58549/ |title=Censoring his own past |work=The Indian Express |date=9 November 2004 |access-date=29 May 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231150025/http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/58549 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In 2014, When Doordarshan broadcast a 70-minute [[Vijayadashami]] speech by [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS) leader [[Mohan Bhagwat]], the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Narendra Modi administration]] and the [[BJP]] were criticised for "misusing" the public broadcaster. According to DD director-general Archana Datta, the "speech was like any other news event; therefore, we covered it."<ref>{{cite news|title=Doordarshan telecasts RSS chief's speech live, stirs controversy|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doordarshan-telecasts-RSS-chiefs-speech-live-stirs-controversy/articleshow/44189792.cms|work=The Times of India|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006041213/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doordarshan-telecasts-RSS-chiefs-speech-live-stirs-controversy/articleshow/44189792.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kalbag|first1=Chaitanya|title=A dangerous line was crossed when Doordarshan telecast Bhagwat's speech live|url=http://qz.com/275648/a-dangerous-line-was-crossed-when-doordarshan-telecast-bhagwats-speech-live/|work=Quartz|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104071447/http://qz.com/275648/a-dangerous-line-was-crossed-when-doordarshan-telecast-bhagwats-speech-live/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's speech covered just like a news event: Doordarshan|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwats-speech-covered-just-like-a-news-event-doordarshan/|work=The Indian Express|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104085428/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwats-speech-covered-just-like-a-news-event-doordarshan/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2014, Doordarshan broadcast a 70-minute [[Vijayadashami]] speech by [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)]] leader [[Mohan Bhagwat]], which led to criticism of the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Narendra Modi administration]] and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] for "misusing" the public broadcaster. DD Director-General Archana Datta responded, "The speech was like any other news event; therefore, we covered it."<ref>{{cite news|title=Doordarshan telecasts RSS chief's speech live, stirs controversy|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doordarshan-telecasts-RSS-chiefs-speech-live-stirs-controversy/articleshow/44189792.cms|work=The Times of India|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006041213/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doordarshan-telecasts-RSS-chiefs-speech-live-stirs-controversy/articleshow/44189792.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kalbag|first1=Chaitanya|title=A dangerous line was crossed when Doordarshan telecast Bhagwat's speech live|url=http://qz.com/275648/a-dangerous-line-was-crossed-when-doordarshan-telecast-bhagwats-speech-live/|work=Quartz|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104071447/http://qz.com/275648/a-dangerous-line-was-crossed-when-doordarshan-telecast-bhagwats-speech-live/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's speech covered just like a news event: Doordarshan|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwats-speech-covered-just-like-a-news-event-doordarshan/|work=The Indian Express|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104085428/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwats-speech-covered-just-like-a-news-event-doordarshan/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Since private television channels were authorised in 1991, Doordarshan has experienced a steep decline in viewership. Although it earns significant advertising revenue—due to its compulsory feed—from the highest bidder for national events (including cricket matches),<ref name="thehindubusinessline.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/23/stories/2002072301320600.htm |title=DD leads viewership sweepstakes &#151 Tops among all homes nationwide, but lowest in C&S |work=Business Line |date=23 July 2002 |access-date=29 May 2012 |archive-date=1 June 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050601015218/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/23/stories/2002072301320600.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> there has been a proposal to fund it by imposing a licence fee to own a television in India.<ref>{{cite news|author=Himanshi Dhawan|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-07-10/india/27967311_1_licence-fee-colour-prasar-bharati-act |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811092349/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-07-10/india/27967311_1_licence-fee-colour-prasar-bharati-act |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Govt mulls 'licence fee' on every colour TV |date=10 July 2007 |work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref>
Since private television channels were authorised in 1991, Doordarshan has experienced a steep decline in viewership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/doordarshan-turns-60-here-is-a-nostalgic-look-at-the-broadcasters-milestones/first-on-dd/slideshow/71241736.cms?from=mdr|work=India Times|
title=Doordarshan turns 60: Here is a nostalgic look at the broadcaster's milestones |first=Shephali |last=Bhatt| date=Sep 22, 2019}}</ref> Although Doordarshan earns significant advertising revenue, due to its compulsory feed from the highest bidder for national events, including cricket matches,<ref name="thehindubusinessline.com">{{cite web |date=23 July 2002 |title=DD leads viewership sweepstakes &#151 Tops among all homes nationwide, but lowest in C&S |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/23/stories/2002072301320600.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050601015218/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/23/stories/2002072301320600.htm |archive-date=1 June 2005 |access-date=29 May 2012 |work=Business Line}}</ref> there has been a proposal to fund the network by imposing a [[Television licence|licence fee]] for owning a television in India.<ref>{{cite news|author=Himanshi Dhawan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-mulls-licence-fee-on-every-colour-TV/articleshow/2190038.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811092349/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-07-10/india/27967311_1_licence-fee-colour-prasar-bharati-act |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Govt mulls 'licence fee' on every colour TV |date=10 July 2007 |work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
A [[Doordarshan (film)|film named after the broadcaster]], spiritually motivated by the 2003 German film ''[[Good Bye, Lenin!]]'', was released in February 2020.
A [[Doordarshan (film)|film named after the broadcaster]], spiritually motivated by the 2003 [[Germany|German]] film ''[[Good Bye, Lenin!]]'', was released in February 2020.


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[All India Radio]]
* {{annotated link|All India Radio}}
* [[Sansad TV]]
* {{annotated link|DD Free Dish}}
* [[DD Free Dish]]
* {{annotated link|DD India}}
* [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)]]
* {{annotated link|DD National}}
* [[DD Retro]]
* {{annotated link|DD Retro}}
* [[List of programs broadcast by DD National]]
* [[List of programs broadcast by DD National]]
* {{annotated link|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting}}
* {{annotated link|Sansad TV}}


== References ==
== References ==
Line 364: Line 362:


== External links ==
== External links ==
 
{{commons category}}
* [https://doordarshan.gov.in/ Durdarshan official site]
* [https://doordarshan.gov.in/ Durdarshan official site]
* [http://www.ddinews.gov.in/ Doordarshan news site]
* [http://www.ddinews.gov.in/ Doordarshan news site]

Latest revision as of 12:40, 18 March 2026


Not to be confused with DoorDash.
For another use, see Doordarshan (film).

Doordarshan
Type
BrandingDD
Country
India
AvailabilityIndia
Mottoसत्यम् शिवम् सुंदरम्
(“Ultimate reality for one is truth, is Śiva (the auspicious absolute), and is beauty.”)
HeadquartersNew Delhi, Delhi
Broadcast area
Indian Subcontinent
OwnerMinistry of Information and Broadcasting,
Government of India
ParentPrasar Bharati
Key people
Gaurav Dwivedi (CEO)
Launch date
1959
Picture format
1080p (HDTV)
(downscaled to 16:9 576i for the SDTV feed)
Callsign meaning
DoorDarshan
Official website
https://onlinedst.gov.in/PI/PIUploadDocumentsUCSE.aspx/
LanguageHindi, English, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Meitei, Assamese, Odia

Doordarshan (lit. 'distant vision, television'), abbreviated as DD, is India's state-owned public television broadcaster. Established by the Government of India on 15 September 1959,[1] it is owned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and constitutes one of Prasar Bharati's two divisions.[2] Doordarshan, one of India's largest broadcasting organisations in studio and transmitter infrastructure, delivers television, radio, online, and mobile services across metropolitan and regional India, and internationally. It also broadcasts via digital terrestrial transmitters.

History[edit | edit source]

Beginnings[edit | edit source]

A sheet of stamps released in 2019 on the occasion of Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day
A stamp on Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day

The channel began modestly as an experimental broadcaster in Delhi on 15 September 1959, with a small transmitter and a makeshift studio. Regular daily transmission commenced in 1965 as part of All India Radio, with a five-minute news bulletin read by Pratima Puri. Salma Sultan joined Doordarshan in 1967 and became a news anchor. Gitanjali Aiyar, Neethi Ravindran, and Rini Simon became popular news anchors in the 1970s.[3]

Krishi Darshan, which debuted on Doordarshan on 26 January 1967, is considered Indian television's longest-running programme.[4]

Television services were expanded to Bombay (now Mumbai) and Amritsar in 1972. By 1975, only seven Indian cities had access to television, with Doordarshan being the sole provider in the country.

On 1 April 1976, television services were officially separated from radio.[5] All India Radio and Doordarshan were placed under the management of separate Directors-General in New Delhi. In 1982, Doordarshan transitioned into a national broadcaster.[6]

Nationwide transmission[edit | edit source]

National telecasts (DD National) were introduced in 1982. Colour television in India was introduced with the live telecast of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Independence Day speech on 15 August 1982, followed by the colour broadcast of the 1982 Asian Games held in Delhi.[7][8] Two years later, Doordarshan evolved into a structured TV network. The sole TV channel was split into DD-1, a nationally broadcast channel, and DD-2, a city-focused channel. In 1993, they were rebranded as DD National and DD Metro to compete with the then-newly privatised television industry.

According to Mitra, with the start of nationwide transmission in the 1980s Doordarshan began to push a homogenous hegemonic national image of India as a North Indian Hindu Hindi-speaking nation via the broadcast of shows such as Mahabharat (1988 TV series) and Ramayan (1987 TV series). Mitra states Doordarshan's choice of programming depicted other religions, regions, and languages as "marginal or sometimes deviant".[9]

The live telecasts of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics were aired on Doordarshan's national channel, while DD Sports offered round-the-clock coverage of the event.[10]

On 17 November 2014, Doordarshan director-general Vijayalaxmi Chhabra introduced a pink-and-purple colour scheme with a new slogan: Desh Ka Apna Channel ("The country's own channel").[11] In 2017, Doordarshan operated a network of nearly 1,400 terrestrial transmitters and had 46 studios producing television programmes.[12] After introducing private channels, Doordarshan has faced challenges in maintaining its position in the television industry.[13] Currently, Doordarshan focuses on improving its studios and programmes, primarily aimed to serve the nation.[14]

DD National and DD News[15]—along with 17 regional satellite channels, 11 state networks, an international channel (DD India), a sports channel (DD Sports), cultural and informative channels like DD Bharati and DD Urdu, and an agricultural channel, DD Kisan. On DD National (formerly DD-1), regional and local programs are aired on a time-sharing basis for terrestrial broadcasting only. DD News, launched on 3 November 2003, replaced DD Metro (formerly DD-2), providing 24-hour news coverage. These channels are relayed through all terrestrial transmitters in India. The regional-language satellite channels consist of two components: a regional service for a specific state (relayed by all terrestrial transmitters in that state) and additional regional-language programs available through cable and DTH operators. DD Sports broadcasts national and international sporting events and is the only channel to air rural sports such as kho-kho and kabaddi.

A new regional channel, DD Arunprabha, was initially scheduled to begin broadcasting on 15 February 2018,[16][17] focusing on the North Eastern region of India as a 24/7 satellite television channel. However, its launch was delayed[18] and eventually took place on 9 February 2019.[19]

On 9 March 2019, Prasar Bharati expanded Indian's satellite footprint through DD Free Dish by adding 11 more state DD channels. This included five channels for the North Eastern states: DD Bangla, DD Chhattisgarh, DD Goa, DD Haryana, DD Himachal Pradesh, DD Jharkhand, DD Manipur, DD Meghalaya, DD Mizoram, DD Nagaland, DD Tripura, and DD Uttarakhand.[20][21] DD Bangla, launched on 9 August 1975, features a programming mix that includes soap operas, infotainment series, news and current affairs, social programs, and films, all in Bangla.

On 13 April 2020, Prasar Bharati launched DD Retro,[22] a channel dedicated to airing classic Hindi serials from Doordarshan. However, the service ceased operations on 1 April 2023 due to low viewership.

Channel list[edit | edit source]

Doordarshan operates 44 channels, including HD feeds.

National channels (7)[edit | edit source]

Channel Launched Language Category SD/HD Notes
DD National 1959 Hindi General Entertainment SD+HD Formerly DD1
DD India 1992 English International news SD+HD Formerly DD International
DD Sports 1998 Hindi and English Sports SD+HD
DD Bharati 2002 Hindi and English Art and Cultural Infotainment SD Replaced DD3
DD News 2003 Hindi News and Current Affairs SD+HD Replaced DD Metro (formerly DD2 and DD2 Metro)
DD Urdu 2006 Urdu Infotainment SD
DD Kisan 2015 Hindi Agricultural Infotainment SD+HD

Regional channels (28)[edit | edit source]

Channel Language Region SD/HD Former Names
DD Arunprabha Hindi Arunachal Pradesh SD DD13
DD Assam Assamese Assam SD DD13
DD Bangla Bengali, Santhali, Urdu and Nepali West Bengal SD DD7
DD Bihar Hindi Bihar SD
DD Chandana Kannada Karnataka SD DD9
DD Chhattisgarh Hindi Chhattisgarh SD
DD Girnar Gujarati Gujarat SD+HD Doordarshan Kendra Ahmedabad
DD Haryana Hindi Haryana SD Doordarshan Kendra Hisar
DD Himachal Pradesh Hindi Himachal Pradesh SD Doordarshan Kendra Shimla
DD Jharkhand Hindi, Nagpuri, and Santali Jharkhand SD
DD Kashir Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Ladakhi and Gojri Jammu and Kashmir SD Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, Jammu and Leh
DD Madhya Pradesh Hindi Madhya Pradesh SD DD11
DD Malayalam Malayalam Kerala SD DD4
DD Manipur Meitei (aka Manipuri)[23] Manipur SD DD13
DD Meghalaya Khasi and English Meghalaya SD DD13
DD Mizoram Mizo Mizoram SD Doordarshan Kendra Aizawl
DD Nagaland English Nagaland SD DD13
DD Odia Odia and Santali Odisha SD+HD DD6
DD Panaji Konkani and Marathi Goa SD
DD Punjabi Punjabi Punjab SD Doordarshan Kendra Jalandhar
DD Rajasthan Hindi Rajasthan SD Doordarshan Kendra Rajasthan
DD Sahyadri Marathi Maharashtra SD+HD DD10
DD Saptagiri Telugu Andhra Pradesh SD DD8
DD Tamil Tamil Tamil Nadu SD+HD DD5, DD Podhigai
DD Tripura Bengali and Kokborok Tripura SD Doordarshan Kendra Agartala
DD Uttarakhand Hindi, Garhwali and Kumaoni Uttarakhand SD Doordarshan Kendra Uttarakhand
DD Uttar Pradesh Hindi Uttar Pradesh SD DD16
DD Yadagiri Telugu and Urdu Telangana SD Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad

Former channels[edit | edit source]

Channel Language From Until
DD Metro Hindi 1984 2003
DD Retro Hindi 2020 2023

International broadcasting[edit | edit source]

The DD India satellite channel has been broadcast in 146 countries. In the United Kingdom, it was available through the Eurobird satellite on the Sky system's channel 833, under the logo Rayat TV. However, transmission via Sky Digital ended in June 2008, followed by the termination of its broadcast via DirecTV in the United States the following month.

Record viewership during the pandemic COVID-19[edit | edit source]

The Ramayan on DD National set a world record by becoming the highest-viewed entertainment programme globally. The 9:00 p.m. broadcast on 16 April 2020 was watched by 77 million viewers.[24] The show reached over 285 million viewers during its broadcast. In response to the nationwide lockdown, DD network aired several nostalgic shows, including Mahabharat, Chanakya, Shri Krishna, Malgudi Days, Byomkesh Bakshi, and Shaktimaan. Due to increasing public demand for such content, Prasar Bharati launched DD Retro, a full-time channel dedicated to classic programming. Within five weeks of its launch, DD Retro garnered viewership of nearly 50 million. Additionally, the DD network played a key role in public messaging during the pandemic, reaching over 400 million viewers through COVID-19 awareness messages and shows during the first wave of 2020.

Criticisms[edit | edit source]

Prasar Bharati is the parent body of Doordarshan, and the Government of India appoints its board members through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.[25][relevant? – discuss]

Doordarshan has been used, particularly during the Emergency, to disseminate government propaganda.[26] During Operation Blue Star in 1984, only government sources were relied upon for reporting the events. Additionally, Doordarshan was involved in the production of a video that claimed acts of violence, which, when investigated by independent journalists, were found to be false.[citation needed]

In 2004, it censored a controversial documentary on Jayaprakash Narayan, an opposition leader during the Emergency.[27]

In 2014, Doordarshan broadcast a 70-minute Vijayadashami speech by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Mohan Bhagwat, which led to criticism of the Narendra Modi administration and the BJP for "misusing" the public broadcaster. DD Director-General Archana Datta responded, "The speech was like any other news event; therefore, we covered it."[28][29][30]

Since private television channels were authorised in 1991, Doordarshan has experienced a steep decline in viewership.[31] Although Doordarshan earns significant advertising revenue, due to its compulsory feed from the highest bidder for national events, including cricket matches,[32] there has been a proposal to fund the network by imposing a licence fee for owning a television in India.[33]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

A film named after the broadcaster, spiritually motivated by the 2003 German film Good Bye, Lenin!, was released in February 2020.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Doordarshan turns 57; watch the video of its first telecast plus 7 lesser-known facts about DD". 15 September 2016. Archived from the original on 21 October 2017. Retrieved 13 October 2017.
  2. ↑ "The future of Doordarshan is on the block". November 2016. Archived from the original on 20 August 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
  3. ↑ Kumar, Anuj (7 June 2023). "Gitanjali Aiyar, popular Doordarshan news anchor, passes away". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  4. ↑ Sharmila Mitra Deb (July 2009), Indian Democracy: Problems and Prospects, Anthem Press, 2009, ISBN 978-81-907570-4-1, archived from the original on 1 May 2016, retrieved 15 November 2015, the well-known program Krishi Darshan, which started its telecast on January 26, 1967... 'informing' and 'educating' the farmers about improving agricultural productivity
  5. ↑ Kamat, Payal (18 January 2012). "Short essay on Development of Television in India". Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
  6. ↑ "A Brief History of Television in India" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  7. ↑ Bhalla, Sahil (25 September 2014). "Flashback 1982: The Asian Games that transformed Delhi". Scroll.in. Archived from the original on 31 December 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  8. ↑ "1982-Colour television is introduced: Out of the dark ages". India Today. 24 December 2009. Archived from the original on 31 December 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  9. ↑ Mitra, Ananda (1993). "Television and the Nation: Doordarshan's India". Media Asia. 20 (1). doi:10.1080/01296612.1993.11726404.
  10. ↑ "Doordarshan to live telecast London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies". The Times of India. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
  11. ↑ "DD National to be relaunched as 'Desh Ka Apna Channel'". 15 November 2014. Archived from the original on 6 December 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  12. ↑ Doordarshan Channel List (2017) Archived 17 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine. DD Free Dish Channels, 17 February 2017
  13. ↑ "Doordarshan: A struggle for relevance". The Financial Express. 6 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  14. ↑ "India's radio signals got more reach in Pakistan than they are in India: Rathore". Jammu Kashmir Latest News. 7 February 2019. Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  15. ↑ Jebaraj, Priscilla (14 September 2010). "'Irregular' Doordarshan appointments quashed". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  16. ↑ "PM Modi To Launch New Doordarshan Channel for the North East in Arunachal Pradesh". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  17. ↑ "PM to launch DD Arun Prabha on Feb 15". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  18. ↑ "Launch of DD's Arun Prabha put on hold". The Asian Age. 7 October 2018. Archived from the original on 26 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  19. ↑ "PM Modi launches DD Arun Prabha channel in Itanagar today". newsonair.com. Archived from the original on 9 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
  20. ↑ "11 more State DD Channels on Satellite footprint". NewsOnAIR. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  21. ↑ "Prasar Bharati brought 11 more state Doordarshan channels on satellite footprint: PM Modi". TheIndianExpress. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  22. ↑ "Covid-19 lockdown: Prasar Bharti launches DD Retro to invoke nostalgia". Archived from the original on 16 April 2020. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  23. ↑ Singh, Dr Paramveer (5 August 2021). Indian Silver Screen. K.K. Publications. pp. 43, 65, 66. ...The centre broadcasts most of its programs in the Manipuri language...
  24. ↑ Bellman, Eric (28 April 2020). "Coronavirus Lockdown Creates Captive Audience for '80s Show". wsj. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  25. ↑ "Powers of the Director Doordarshan Kendra Bhopal" (PDF). Doordarshan Bhopal. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2009.
  26. ↑ "Channel war drives DD to shelve bias". The Telegraph. New Delhi. 26 January 2004. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  27. ↑ Kuldip Nayar Posted: 9 November 2004 at 0012 hrs IST (9 November 2004). "Censoring his own past". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 December 2010. Retrieved 29 May 2012.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ↑ "Doordarshan telecasts RSS chief's speech live, stirs controversy". The Times of India. 3 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  29. ↑ Kalbag, Chaitanya (3 October 2014). "A dangerous line was crossed when Doordarshan telecast Bhagwat's speech live". Quartz. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  30. ↑ "RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's speech covered just like a news event: Doordarshan". The Indian Express. 3 October 2014. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  31. ↑ Bhatt, Shephali (22 September 2019). "Doordarshan turns 60: Here is a nostalgic look at the broadcaster's milestones". India Times.
  32. ↑ "DD leads viewership sweepstakes &#151 Tops among all homes nationwide, but lowest in C&S". Business Line. 23 July 2002. Archived from the original on 1 June 2005. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  33. ↑ Himanshi Dhawan (10 July 2007). "Govt mulls 'licence fee' on every colour TV". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2012.

External links[edit | edit source]

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