Controversy Erupts as Doordarshan Changes Logo Color to Saffron

“Controversy Erupts as Doordarshan Changes Logo Color to Saffron”

Doordarshan, India’s autonomous public broadcaster, has sparked controversy by changing the color of its iconic logo from red to a distinctive shade of orange, leading to criticism from the opposition camp. The new logo was unveiled by DD News, the English news channel of Doordarshan, through a promotional video shared on X, signaling a fresh look for the network.

“While our values remain unchanged, we present ourselves in a new avatar. Brace yourself for an unprecedented news journey…Experience the revamped DD News,” read the caption accompanying the promotional video.

However, the alteration in the logo’s color triggered a wave of backlash online, with many users highlighting that the new shade resembled saffron, a color associated with a certain political ideology. Criticism intensified as the change coincided with the upcoming elections, raising suspicions about potential political motives behind the rebranding.

Jawhar Sircar, a Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament and former chief of Doordarshan’s parent organization, expressed his dismay over the perceived “saffronisation” of the Doordarshan logo just before the elections. In an online post, Sircar lamented the transformation, stating, “National broadcaster Doordarshan colors its historic flagship logo in saffron! As its ex-CEO, I have been watching its saffronisation with alarm and feel – it’s not Prasar Bharati anymore – it’s Prachar Bharati.”

The criticism gained traction when Sircar reiterated his concerns to the media, emphasizing that the incorporation of saffron into the logo symbolized a broader trend of bias within the national broadcaster. According to him, not only the logo but also the overall programming of Doordarshan has taken on a saffron hue, with significant airtime dedicated to the ruling party’s initiatives while opposition voices are sidelined.

Sircar further characterized the situation as a “visual entrapment,” suggesting that the dominance of saffron elements in Doordarshan’s content was aimed at influencing public perception. His remarks underscored the deepening divide over the impartiality and independence of India’s public broadcasting service, raising questions about the integrity of its editorial policies.

The controversy surrounding the logo change has reignited debates about the role of state-owned media in a democratic society and the extent to which it should align with political agendas. As Doordarshan navigates through this storm of criticism, the spotlight remains on its commitment to neutrality and professionalism in delivering news and information to the public.

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