DD News Unveils New Logo, Sparks 'Saffronisation' Debate

The new logo of DD News, the news channel of the state-run Doordarshan, has sparked a debate a mere 48 hours after the unveiling of the new logo. DD News’s previous logo was in ruby red colour and the new logo is orange in colour.

The change in the logo has made the news channel subject to criticism from the opposition parties who allege that Doordarshan is undergoing “saffronisation”.

The broadcaster, according to government sources, has been changed as red and orange have more visibility and colour combinations that attract more attention.

The sources added that many private channels have that colour as well combination as well.

However, leaders of opposition parties questioned the timing of unveiling the new logo, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Mamata Banerjee vs Amit Malviya on Doordarshan Logo

Earlier today, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee called the move to change the colour of Doordarshan logo unethical and illegal. She called upon the Election Commission to take and action against the move, which comes during the ongoing Lok Sabha Election.

“How could the Election Commission of India allow this crude, pro-Saffron violation of the Model Code of Conduct when the people are in the electoral mode?! ECI must immediately stop it and reverse the change to go back to the original blue colour of the logo of Doordarshan,” Mamata wrote.

In response, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya promptly replied that the change was tested years ago in 1982 calling the move ‘homecoming for the national broadcaster.’

“Thanks for not abusing. Your language off late has been crass and disgusting. The prospect of losing election is showing. On Doordarshan’s saffron colour – it was tested way back in 1982. So, don’t be shocked and find out who changed it to blue. This is nothing but home coming for the national broadcaster,” Malviya wrote.

The new logo was unveiled on Tuesday evening and DD News announced on social media site X via its official handle.

“While our values remain the same, we are now available in a new avatar. Get ready for a new journey like never before. Experience the all-new DD News!” DD News posted on its official X handle along with a video of its new logo.

“We dare 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,” they further added.

Leading the criticism of the broadcaster was All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar, who once served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Prasar Bharati between 2012 and 2014.

Prasar Bharati is the statutory body that oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR).

“It’s quite inappropriate to see the national broadcaster has chosen the colour saffron for its branding,” Sircar said in a video posted on social media site X.

“I consider this a transgression of the Model Code of Conduct,” Sircar further added, questioning the timing of the change.

“It is using a particular colour, signifying a particular religion, over the state-funded machinery. A machinery, a network that is supposed to be completely neutral and at arm’s length,” he further added.

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