Doordarshan's New Orange Logo Draws Criticism, Ex-Boss Takes A Dig

The colour of Doordarshan's logo has been changed from red to a distinct orange shade, sparking criticism from the opposition camp. The new logo was revealed by DD News recently, the English news channel of Doordarshan where they shared a new promotional video on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Taking to X, DD News wrote, " 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 is the truth!
DD News - Bharosa Sach Ka"

Ex-Boss Takes A Dig

The new logo was criticized online, with several users pointing out that it was perceived as saffron, and the change occurred just ahead of elections. Trinamool MP Jawhar Sircar, former boss of Doordarshan's parent organization, also commented that it was distressing to witness the "saffronisation" of Doordarshan's logo just before elections.

"It hurts to see the historic flagship logo of the national broadcaster Doordarshan coloured in saffron! As its ex-CEO, I have been watching its saffronisation with alarm and feel - it's not Prasar Bharati any more - it's Prachar Bharati," he stated in an online post.

Sircar served as the CEO of Prasar Bharati, the statutory body overseeing Doordarshan and All India Radio, from 2012 until 2016.

His opposition was voiced in a video, where he stated, "It's deemed inappropriate for the national broadcaster to adopt the colour saffron for its branding." He also described the change as a breach of the Model Code of Conduct, which imposes restrictions before elections to ensure a fair playing field for candidates.

In contrast, the current boss of Prasar Bharati held a different view from Mr. Sircar, defending the decision as necessary for visual aesthetics. He also clarified that the colour used was orange.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Gaurav Dwivedi explained that the choice of a bright, appealing colour was part of the channel's branding and visual aesthetic. Additionally, he highlighted that beyond the logo change, the channel underwent upgrades in its overall appearance, including new lighting and equipment.