'Saffronisation': Doordarshan's new logo sparks row
PTC News Desk: Doordarshan has changed the colour of its logo from red to a distinct orange which has prompted criticism from the opposition parties. DD News, Doordarshan's English news channel, recently shared a new promotional video on X, revealing the logo.
"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," it stated.
The new logo drew criticism online, with several users noting that it was saffron and that the move came just before the elections. Trinamool MP Jawhar Sircar, the former head of Doordarshan's parent organisation, has also expressed concern about the "saffronisation" of Doordarshan's logo just before elections. Sircar was the CEO of Prasar Bharati, the statutory body that oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio, from 2012 to 2016.
"National broadcaster Doordarshan colours 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 any more - it's Prachar Bharati," he said.
In a video, he expressed his displeasure, saying, "It's quite inappropriate to see the national broadcaster has chosen the colour saffron for its branding." He also described the move as a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, a set of rules imposed before elections to ensure a level playing field for candidates.
- With inputs from agencies
