Introduction

Doordarshan (Literally Meaning Distant Vision), the television wing

of the broadcasting corporation of India, devoted to public service
broadcasting is one of the largest terrestrial networks and one of the
most extensive television systems in the world. Doordarshan has
been the sole preserve of the Government of India and it provides
television coverage to over 95% of India’s 108+ million people. The
first telecast on Doordarshan originated from a makeshift studio
Akashavani Bhavan, the head quarters of all India Radio New Delhi
on 15 Sept. 1959.

A regular service with a daily news bulletin was started in 1965, in

1961 the broadcasts were expanded to include a school educational
television project. The first major expansion of television in India
began in 1972, when a second television station was opened in
Bombay. This was followed by station in Srinagar and Amritsar
(1973), and Calcutta, Madras and Lucknow in 1975 .

Motto of Doordarshan
The motto of Doordarshan is “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” which
translates as : ‘The Truth is The God and The God is Beautiful’.

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 History of Doordarshan
Television came to India on September 15, 1959 with experimental
transmission from Delhi. It was a modest beginning with a make
shift studio, a low power transmitter and only 21 community
television sets. All India Radio provided the engineering and
programme professionals. A daily one-hour service with a news
bulletin was started in 1965. In 1972 television services were
extended to a second city—Mumbai. By 1975 television stations
came up in Calcutta, Chennai, Srinagar, Amritsar and Lucknow. In
1975-76 the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment brought
television programmes for people in 2400 villages in the most
inaccessible of the least developed areas through a satellite lent to
India for one year.

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Doordarshan is a Public broadcast terrestrial television channel run
by Prasar Bharati, a board formed by the Government of India. It is
one of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world in terms of
the infrastructure of studios and transmitters.
Doordarshan had its beginning with the experimental telecast started
in Delhi in September, 1959 with a small transmitter and a makeshift
studio. The regular daily transmission started in 1965 as a part of
All India Radio. The television service was extended to a second
city Mumbai in 1972. Till 1975, only seven cities were covered by
Doordarshan and it remained the only television channel in India.
Television services were separated from Radio in 1976. Each office
of All India Radio and Doordarshan were placed under the
management of two separate Director Generals in New Delhi.
Finally, its existence came into being when Doordarshan became a
National Broadcaster. It is one of the largest broadcasting
organizations in the world in terms of the infrastructure of studios
and transmitters. Recently it has also started digital Terrestrial
Transmitters. Doordarshan is the only network that it is
permitted to broadcast television signals domestically. In a
communications breakthrough for Indian Television in July 1995,
Doordarshan agreed, for a US $1.5 million annual fee and 50 percent
of advertising revenue when lt exceeds US$1.5 million, to allow CNN

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to broadcast twenty-four hours a day via an Indian satellite. Indian
television channel Doordarshan offers national, regional, and local
service of Indian television viewers. DD became national when it
started to telecast national programmes in the year 1982. t In the same
year, colour TVs were introduced in the Indian markets. The first
colour programmes were the live telecast of the Independence Day
parade on 15 August, 1982, followed by the Asian Games
being held in Delhiy The eighties was the era of Doordarshan with soaps
like Hunt Log (1984), Buniyaad (1986-87) and mythological dramas
like Ramayana (1987-88) and Mahabharata (1988-89) glued
millions to Doordarshan. Other popular programmes included Hindi
film songs based programs like Chitrahaar and Rongoli followed by
the crime thrillers like Karamchand (starring Pankaj Kapoor),
Byomkesh Bakshi and Janki Jasoos. Now more than 90 percent of
the Indian population receives Doordarshan (DDI) programmes
through a network of nearly 1400 terrestrial transmitters.
About 46 Doordarshan studios are presently producing TV
programme. Currently, Doordarshan operates 19 channels — two All
India channels, 11 Regional Languages Satellite Channels (RLSC),
four State Networks , an International channel, a Sports Channel and
two channels (DD-RS & DD-LS) for live broadcast of
parliamentary proceedings.
On DD-1 national programmes, regional programmes and local
programmes are carried on time-sharing basis. DD-News channel

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 was launched on 3rd November 2003 which replaced the DD-Metro
Entertainment channel that provides 24 hour news service. The
Regional Languages Satellite channels have two components i.e., the
Regional Service for the particular state relayed by all terrestrial
transmitters in the state and additional programmes in the regional
language in prime time and non-prime time available only through
cable operators. Sports channel is exclusively devoted to the
broadcasting of sporting events of national and international
importance. This is the only sports channel which telecasts rural
sports like Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, etc., something which private
broadcasters will not attempt to telecast as it will not attract any
revenues.
Doordarshan is often criticized for low quality of programmes
and
sometimes even poor telecast and presentation in quality.
Additionally, since it is not a profit and loss enterprise like private
channels Sun Network or Zee TV or Sony TV or Star Plus, it does not
have the requisite push for better programming. Despite being heavily
funded and protected by the government, many critics have
pointed out that it second priority. However, many contradict Is
more interested only in cricket matches and has addicted its so
called “responsibilities” in favour of monetary gains and political
dealings.
Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) is

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India’s national public broadcaster. It is a board nominated by the
Government of India. It comprises Doordarshan television and All
India Radio which was established in November 23, 1997. It was
due to the demand that the government owned broadcasters in India
should be given autonomy like those in many other countries. The
Parliament of India passed an Act to grant this autonomy in 1990.
But it was not enacted until September 15, 1997. Doordarsan is one
of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world in terms of the
infrastructure of studios and transmitters. Recently it has also
started Digital Terrestrial transmitters.
Gone are the days of Indian T.V. serials with which the
people could relate. The journey from Doordarshan to Zee, Sony
and Star plus has been a long one. Indian Soap had its humble
beginnings in “Hum Log” the first ever T.V. serial to be
broadcasted by Doordarshan the sole T.V. channel in 1984.
People were glued to their television sets to watch each episode of
Manohar Shyam Joshi’s “Hum I.og”.
This was a story of an Indian family that a large section of
people could identify with. People could relate to the characters, their
happiness and sorrows. Over the years, Doordarshan has presented
many popular and engrossing serials. For example “Waghley Ki
Duniya”, “Yeh Jo Hain Zindagi”, “Nukkad”, “Rajni” and the list
goes on. The common theme across all these stories was the
background setting ----- which reflected everyday life’s struggles,

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failures and triumphs. These serials had an underlying positive
message upholding tradition, moral values and strengthening the
fabric of Indian culture. From the mid
1990’s, Cable TV brought about a home entertainment revolution.
Doordarshan found itself struggling to compete with a network of
privately owned quality entertainment channels powered by
commercials, and latest technology. Doordarshan made an effort to
catch up but like most state owned efforts, soon became lackluster in
comparison to the glitz and glamour of Zee, Sony and Star Plus.
The following are some major landmarks in the history of
Doordarshan---

1 .09.1959 Experimental transmission form Delhi

24.10.1961 School television for Delhi students.
15.08.1965 Regular service with daily news bulletin in
Hindi.
26.01.1967 Krishi Darshan — programmes for farmers.
02.10.1972 Television in a second city—Mumbai
01.08.1975 SITE launched.
01.01.1976 Commercials introduced.
01.04.1976 Doordarshan delinked from AIR.
15.08.1982 National programmes,colour transmission and

networking through satellite.

19.11.1982 Expansion though LPTs launched.
15.07.1984 First mass appeal serial Hum Log.

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15.08.1983 Countrywide classroom of UGC launched.
09.08.1984 Second channel at Delhi.
09.08.1985 First regional satellite network in Maharashtra.
23.02.1987 Morning transmissions
26.01.1989 Afternoon transmissions
01.04.1993 Metro channel with satellite networking
01.10.1993 Regional language satellite channels.
15.08.1994 Restructuring of channels —DDl to DD 13.
14.03.1995 DD India—International channel.
23.11.1997 Prasar Bharati—the autonomous
broadcasting corporation of India.
18.03.1999 DD Sports channel inaugurated.
10.07.1999 News on the hour.
15.08.1999 DD News and current affairs channel. (Test
trarismission).
On the eve of formal launch of Doordarshan’s DTH service by
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Prasar Bharati said that it has set a
target of two million subscribers by end 2005 and increasing channel
capacity to 50 by June next. On the occasion of a demonstration of
DD Direct Plus, the brand name under which DD would market its
free DTH service, Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma said,” By
December 2005 we hope to have a subscriber base of two million,
which may help the platform net additional private TV channels."
DD Direct Plus is a free to DTH service offering 32 FTA TV
channels, including 13 private ones, and 12 customized radio
channels. A subscriber would have to make a one-time investment of

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 Rs 3000 - Rs 3500 on the hardware and pay no monthly subscription
fee, unlike the country's first DTH service, marketed by ZEE
Telefilms under Dish TV brand name. DD Direct Plus, beaming
through NSS 6 satellite, includes all DD channels, apart from the
likes of BBC World, Sun TV, Star Utsav, from the Zee stable Kairali
TV, Zee Music and Smile TV, Jain TV, Aaj Tak and Headlines
Today. The radio channels include All India Radio channels and
according to the words given by the Prime Minister, DTH is reaching
now to the mass of India in a huge way with all facilities. National
broadcaster Doordarshan has launched two new channels in the
public interest. Speaker Somnath Chatterjee and Rajya Sabha deputy
chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat did the honours by flagging off
the two satellite channels. It was his intention that to telecast the
proceedings live of both the Houses of Parliament. Chatterjee's idea
of exposing the honourable members in live telecasts of their actions
in Parliament with a hope that it will improve their behaviour which
will cost the tax payer a reported Rs 12 billion annually for each of
the channels. Now Doordarshan and local channel of Doordarshan as
Doordarshan North East services are available in Tata Sky too, a
satellite tele service.

Doordarshan social objectives

• To act as catalyst for social change.

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• To promote national integration.
• To stimulate a scientific temper in the minds of the people
• To disseminate the message of family planning as a means of
population
control and family welfare
• To provide essential information and knowledge in order to stimulate
greater agricultural production
• To promote and help preserve environmental and ecological balance.
• To highlight the need for social welfare measures, including welfare of
women, children and less privileged
• To promote interest in games and sports.
• To create values of appraisal of art and cultural heritage.

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 Channels
Doordarshan operates 46 studios and 21 television channels: two all-
India channels (DD National and DD News), 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.
A new regional channel, DD Arunprabha (a 24/7 satellite television
channel focusing on the North Eastern region) was scheduled to
begin on 15 February 2018 however, its launch was placed on hold.
DD Arunprabha was launched on 9 February 2019.
On 9 March 2019, Prasar Bharati brought 11 more State DD
Channels on the Satellite footprint of India through DD Free Dish.

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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. DD
Bangla launched on 9 August 1975, the network's programming
consists of soap operas, infotainment On 13 April 2020, DD Retro
was launched by Prasar Bharati which showed old classic Hindi
serials.

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 Channels List
National Channels

SD/HD
Channel Programming Language
availability

DD National General Entertainment and News Hindi and English

DD News News Hindi SD+HD

DD Sports Sports Hindi and English

DD Bharati Art and Cultural Infotainment Hindi and English

DD Kisan Agricultural Infotainment Hindi

SD
DD Urdu Infotainment Urdu

DD Retro Old Classic General Entertainment Hindi

International Channels

Channel Programming Language Notes

DD International News and Cultural Infotainment English Proposed

DD India News English SD+HD

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Regional channels

Channel Language Region

DD Arunprabha Hindi Arunachal Pradesh

DD Assam Assamese Assam

DD Bangla Bengali West Bengal

DD Bihar Hindi Bihar

DD Chandana Kannada Karnataka

DD Chhattisgarh Hindi Chhattisgarh

DD Girnar Gujarati Gujarat

DD Goa Konkani and Marathi Goa

DD Haryana Hindi Haryana

DD Himachal Pradesh Hindi Himachal Pradesh

DD Jharkhand Hindi Jharkhand

DD Madhya Pradesh Hindi Madhya Pradesh

DD Malayalam Malayalam Kerala

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 Channel Language Region

DD Manipur (aka DDK

Meitei (aka Manipuri) Manipur
Imphal)

DD Meghalaya Khasi and English Meghalaya

DD Mizoram Mizo Mizoram

DD Nagaland English Nagaland

DD Odia Odia Odisha

DD Podhigai Tamil Tamilnadu

DD Punjabi Punjabi Punjab

DD Rajasthan Hindi Rajasthan

DD Sahyadri Marathi Maharashtra

DD Saptagiri Telugu Andhra Pradesh

DD Tripura Bengali and Kokborok Tripura

DD Uttarakhand Hindi, Garhwali and Kumaoni Uttarakhand

DD Uttar Pradesh Hindi Uttar Pradesh

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 Channel Language Region

DD Yadagiri Telugu Telangana

UT Network

Channel Language Region

DD Andaman and Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and Malayala

Andaman and Nicobar
Nicobar m

DD Chandigarh Hindi and Punjabi Chandigarh

DD Dadra and Nagar

Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Haveli

DD Daman and Diu Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi Daman and Diu

DD Kashir Kashmiri Jammu and Kashmir

DD Lakshadweep Malayalam Lakshadweep

DD Pondicherry Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam Puducherry

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 Organisational structure of Doordarshan

 Director General of Doordarshan is responsible for the overall

administration of the Doordarshan network.
 Doordarshan is divided into four wings: Programme, News,
Engineering and Administration and Finance.
 Programme using deals with all aspects relating to programme
conception, production and procurement at the national, regional
and local level.
 News wing puts out news bulletins and other current affairs
programmes at the national and regional level.
 Engineering wing deals with all the hardware requirements of the
entire network including the space segment and the studios,
transmitters etc.

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  Administration and Finance using deals with the administrative
and financial aspects including general administration, personal
management, budget and plan coordination.
 The overall head of all the departments in doordarshan is Director
General.
 The rank of the Director General of Doordarshan is equivalent to
that of the Director General of All India Radio, while earlier it was
not the case.
 In Doordarshan, the Director General heads the Department of
programme and Administration.
 His main job is to supervise, guide, govern and control the entire
functioning of the department.
He is assisted by-
 Additional Director General and Deputy Director General
(Development)
 Deputy Director General (News and current affairs)
 Deputy Director General (Communication and film)
 Director (Finance and Personnel control).
 Deputy Director general (Production and Transmission)
In addition to that there is a large number of staff in Doordarshan which
are directly associated with pre-production, production and post
production.
These staff members are- Programme producer, programme executive,
video engineer, vision control operator, Lighting engineer, cameraman,
vision mixer, studio engineers, Make-up supervisors, script designer,

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program Assistant, production assistant, Audio control manager, MIC
boom operator, script writer etc.

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 .List of programs broadcast by DD National
Here is a long list of all the programs broadcast by DD National in
Alphabetical Order:
 All the Best  Bante Bigadte
A  Alpha Plus  Barrister Vinod
 Aarohan  Amir Khusro  Basera
 A Mouthful of Sky  Amravati Ki  Bharat Ek Khoj
Kahaniyan
 Aahuti  Bhootnath
 Anandi Gopal
 A Tryst with the  Bible Ki Kahaniyan
People of India  Anjali
 Bikhri Aas Nikhri
 Aa Bail Mujhe Maar  Ank Ajube Preet
 Aaina  Antaraal  Boolbul Bagh
 Aakhiri Dao  Aparajita  Brahmaand
 Aamne Saamne  Apna Apna Aasman  Buniyaad
 Aap Beeti  Appu Aur Pappu  Byomkesh Bakshi
 Abhimaan  Aryamaan
C
 Ados Pados  Asish
 Captain Vyom
 Afsane  Aurat
 Chakravyuha
 Agneepath
 Chamatkar
 Agni
B
 Chamatkari
 Air Hostess
 Baaton Baaton Mein Telephone
 Ajnabi
 Baazigar  Chanakya
 Aisa Bhi Hota Hai
 Babaji Ka Bioscope  Chandramukhi
 Albeli
 Bahadur Shah Zafar  Chandrakanta
 Akbar the Great
 Baigan Raja  Chapte Chapte
 Alif Laila
 Banegi Apni Baat  Charitraheen

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  Chauraha  Disney Hour  Gayab Aaya

 Chayageet  Doosra Keval  Ghar

 Chekhov Ki Duniya  Duniya Gazab Ki  Ghutan

 Chhoti Badi Baatein  Dushman  Giant Robot

 Chhutti Chhutti  Gopichand Jasoos

E
 Chitrahaar  Guchhae
 Ehsaas
 Chulo Aasmaan  Gul Gulshan
 Ek Din Achanak Gulfaam
 Chunauti
 Ek Do Teen Char  Guldasta
 Chunni
 Ek Ghar Aas Paas  Guniram
 Circus
 Ek Kahani
 Cricket with H
Mohinder Amarnath  Ek Se Badhkar Ek
 Haddi Raja
 Ek Tha Rusty
D  Hakke Bakke
 Ekai Dahai Saikda
 Daane Anaar Ke  Hamari Bahu Tulsi
 Ekas Ke Hum Barik
 Dada Dadi Ki  Happy Home
Kahaniyaan F
 Hari Mirchi Lal
 Dard  Farmaan Mirchi

 Darpan  Farz  Heera Panna

 Dayasagar  Faster Fene  Hello Zindagi

 Deewar  Fatichar  Himalay Darshan

 Dekh Bhai Dekh  Fauji  Himalaya Ki Goud

Mein
 Dekho Magar Pyar  Fhir Wahi Talaash
Se  Honee Anhonee
 Flop Show
 Deviji  How's That!

 Dharti Naache G  Hum Hindustani

Amber Gaaye  Ganadevta  Hum Log
 Dil Dariya  Gaurav

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  Hum Pancchi Ek  Kabhi Sautan Kabhi
Daal Ke K Saheli

 Humrahi  Kaaun  Kashmakash Zindagi

Ki
 Kab Kyon Kaise
I  Katha Sagar
 Kab Kyun Aur
 Idhar Udhar Kahan  Katha Sarita

 Imtihaan  Kab Tak Pukaroon  Kayaamat

 Indradhanush  Kabhi Yeh Kabhi  Kayar

Woh
 Inkaar  Kehar
 Kacchi Dhoop
 Insaaf  Khali Haath
 Kadva Sach
 Intajaar  Khandaan
 Kahan Gaye Woh
 Intezaar Aur Sahi Log  Khel Khel Mein

 Isi Bahaane  Kahani Dharti Ki  Kile Ka Rahasya

 Itihaas  Kahani Saat Pheron  Kirdaar

Ki  Kisi Ki Nazarr Na
J  Kahkashan Lage

 Jai Ganga Maiya  Kakaji Kahin  Kissa Shanti Ka

 Jai Hanumaan [1998]  Kala Paani  Kkaanch

 Janbaaz  Kanoon  Krazzy Kiya Re

 Jantar Mantar  Karamati  Krishi Darshan

 Jhingur Pehalwan  Karamchand  Kshitij Yeh Nahin

 Ji Mantriji  Karan the Detective  Kuch Khona Hai

Kuch Paana Hai
 Jo Kahunga Sach  Karma - Mayavi
Kahunga Nagari  Kuch Khoya Kuch
Paya
 Jo Jeeta Wohi  Karwa Sach
Sikander  Kuch Reh Jeewiyal
 Kasamm Pall
 Jugalbandhi
 Kashish  Kudrat
 Junoon
 Kunti

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  Kya Banoge Munna  Meher  Nehle Pe Dehla

 Kyun Apne Huye  Mere Humdum Mere  Nirmala

Paraye Ghost
 Nukkad
 Meri Awaaz Suno
L  Nupur
 Mirza Ghalib
 Lahun Ke Phool
 Mitti Ke Rang O
 Lekhu
 Morning  Om Namah Shivay
 Lohit Kinare Transmission [1996]

 Lok Lok Ki Baatein  Mr. Ya Mrs.

P
 London Ki Ek Raat  Mr. Yogi
 Pachpan Khambe Lal
 Luv kush  Mrignayani Deewarein
 Mrityunjay  Palash Ke Phool
M
 Mujrim Haazir  Panch Tantra Ki
 Mahabharat Kathayen
 Mulla Naseeruddin
 Mahanagar  Panchhi
 Mungeri Ke Bhai
 Main Dilli Hoon Naurangi  Pankhon Se Panjon
Tak
 Maan  Mungerilal Ke
Haseen Sapne  Parakh
 Main Tulsi Tere
Aangan Ki  Param Vir Chakra
N
 Malgudi Days  Paying Guest
 Nai Drishti Nai Raah
 Mamaji  PC 1008
 Nathkat Narad
 Manoranjan  PC Aur Mausi
 National Programme
 Manzil Apni Apni of Dance  Pehchaan
 Mashaal  National Programme  Phir Wahi Talaash
of Music
 Mashahoor Mahal  Phool Khile Hain
 Naya Nukkad Gulshan Gulshan
 MatheMagic
 Neem Ka Ped  Phulwanti
 Meethi Meethi
Batein  Neev  Police File Se

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  Potli Baba Ki  Safarnama  Superhit Muqabla

 Prahari  Sahasraphan  Suraag - The Clue

 Prashan Manch  Samundar  Surabhi

 Professor Vasan  Sangharsh  Swabhimaan

 Pumpkin Patch  Sansaar  Swaraj

 Puraskar  Sansmaran

 Purab Aur Paschim  Saptahiki T

 Sauda  Taana Baana
Q
 School Days  Talaash
 Quiz Time
 Sea Hawks  Tamas

R  Shaktimaan  Tandoori Nights

 Raag Darbari  Shanti  Tarang

 Raaz...Ki Ek Baatt  Shri Krishna  Tehkikaat

 Raghukul Reet Sada  Shrikant  Tehreer...Munshi

Chali Aayi Premchand Ki
 Shrimaan Shrimati
 Raja Aur Rancho  Tenali Raman
 Sinbad the Sailor
 Raja Ka Baja  Terah Panne
 Singhasan Battisi
 Rajni  The Great Maratha
 Sohni Mahiwal
 Raju Aur  The Sword of Tipu
 Space City Sigma
Udaantashtari Sultan
 Stone Boy
 Ramayan  That's Cricket
 Stree... Teri Kahani
 Rangarang  Thoda Sa Aasman
 Subah
 Rangoli  Trishna
 Subah Savere
 Turning Point
S  Sukanya
 Twelve Months
 Saanjha Chulha  Suno Re Kissa

 Sab Ka Maalik Ek  Super Six U

Hai

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  Udaan  Yeh Duniyan Gazab
W Ki
 Ulta Pulta
 Wagle Ki Duniya  Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi
 Upanyaas
 Wah Janaab  Yeh To Hona Hi Tha
 Upasana
 Waqt  Yug

V  Waqt Ki Raftar  Yugantar

 Vikram Aur Betaal  Wild Adventures:

Ballooning with Bedi Z
 Vilayti Baaboo Brothers
 Zamana Badal Gaya
 Virasat  Woh Hue Naa
Hamaare  Zameen Aasmaan
 Vishwa Darshan
Y  Zigma
 Vishwamitra
 Yatra  Zabaan Sambhalke

Doordarshan’s late 80's and early 90's was the era when TV was just
spreading its wings and it was an age of innocence and here are some
prominent shows of Doordarshan which made Doordarshan a well-
known name in Indian households.
 Byomkesh Bakshi - The serial was about an intelligent detective from
Calcutta who solved many mysteries. I think it had a good casting and
the depiction of the life in Calcutta in the 30's was very interesting.
 Malgudi Days - Based on short stories of a south Indian village by R.K.
Narayanan. Again, excellent portrayal of life in South India.
 Surabhi - It was sort of a cultural magazine show, brilliant hosting by
Renuka Shahane and Siddhartha Kak. At a time when there was virtually
no access t NGC/ Discovery or the internet, the serial provided some
meaningful entertainment. There used to be a weekly quiz open for
viewer participation and I think I would sent numerous yellow post-
cards.
 Ramayana and Mahabharat - Grand scale, and I don't think any other
serial has ever repeated their success in India. The streets used to be
totally deserted when they were on. Most of our knowledge on Hindu
epics was built on these two serials alone. Not everyone had TV sets
back then, so a lot of people used to watch the show in their neighbors’
houses.

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 Hum Log - Massive following, and a very unique concept of discussing
the serial at the end of every episode by Ashok Kumar.
 Rajani - A simple serial of everyday problems and how they impact us.
Also, sowed us a way how can we fight against those problems.
 Flow Show - Hilarious comedy but sensible comedy which used humor
to convey messages on issues like corruption, red tapism and
adulteration and other such issues of common man.. This show made
me realize that one can gift sugarcane as a fruit :)
 Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi - Most iconic sitcoms of all time. The show went on
to become so popular that it even started affecting the business of
films, as it used to be aired late on Friday nights.
 Yatra - the series is all about a long journey people covered by Train
(from the South of India to kashmir, and then from Rajashthan to the
North East) that included days and them sharing their slice of lives or
experiences with. Excellent concept and portrayal of the diversity of the
country.
 Earth Matters - Wildlife & Ecology Awareness Sunday
The best show for wildlife conservation and ecological awareness hosted
by famous wildlife photographer Mike Pandey.
 Manthan - Science & technology updates Saturday
The new show in Hindi on science & made by German Public
Broadcasting Agency Deutche Weles.
 The Open Frame - documentaries Sunday
A documentary based programs about social & cultural issues
 Chanakya - The historic biopic of Chanakya aired Sunday Morning

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 Revenues

During 1996-99, TV advertisement market grew by 76%, but DD's

revenue from advertisement registered a negative growth (Refer to Table
III). Though DD continued to be number one in overall audience share,
it lost out on viewership segments with the highest purchasing power. In
1998-99, DD channels revenues from advertisements were to the tune of
Rs 4 bn (25.8% of the market). Zee TV was close at Rs 3.85 bn, Sony at
Rs 2.53 bn, and Star Channels8 at Rs 2 bn.

However, in case of private channels revenues from the ads have grown
significantly compared to DD. During the period 1996-99, Zee
registered growth of 122% in ad revenues, Sony 299% and Star channels
206%. During the same period, DD's ad revenues had gone down by
70.17%.
Till 1998-99, 70% of HLL's9 ad spend went to DD. In 2000-01, because
of poor TVR of DD, HLL's share in DD's Ad revenues had gone down
to 50%. During 1999-00, producers and distributors stopped giving films
to DD after it started asking for a minimum guarantee of Rs 10 mn to
broadcast a film. This forced DD to repeat the same old films, and the
TVRs went down further. DD's sagging TVRs were a matter of concern
for clients like Hindustan Lever - DD's largest advertiser. Said Ashutosh
Srivastava, Vice-President HTA-Fulcrum, the media-buying arm of
HLL, " Our only source of reaching 40% of this country is going down."
Analysts felt that DD's revenues were going down because advertisers
considered it as a downmarket channel, which catered only to the lowest
socio-economic classifications, where purchasing power was limited.
The revenues earned by DD showed a negative growth during 1997-99.

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In 1999-00 DD saw its revenues grow by 52.8% but in 2000-01 it was
projected to grow at 6% only (refer Table-III).
TABLE III
FALL IN REVENUES OF DD

YEAR Revenue (Rs bn) Growth over previous year (%)

1995-96 4.3 8.1

1996-97 5.72 33.2

1997-98 4.90 -14.3

1998-99 3.99 -18.5

1999-00 6.10 52.8

2000-01* 6.50 6.0

*Estimated

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 Challenges
1. Competition from Private Channels:
 The rise of private television channels and digital streaming
platforms has led to increased competition for viewership.
Private channels often have more resources, diverse content,
and aggressive marketing strategies, making it challenging
for Doordarshan to retain its audience share.
2. Technological Advancements:
 Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology is a constant
challenge. The transition from analog to digital broadcasting,
the adoption of high-definition (HD) content, and the
emergence of online streaming platforms require significant
investments and technological upgrades.
3. Financial Constraints:
 Doordarshan often faces financial limitations, impacting its
ability to produce high-quality content, acquire popular
shows, and invest in modern infrastructure. Funding
constraints may hinder the broadcaster's competitiveness in
the dynamic media landscape.
4. Changing Viewer Preferences:
 Viewer preferences have shifted over the years, with a
growing demand for niche and specialized content. Adapting
to these changing preferences while maintaining a balance
with traditional and culturally relevant programming poses a
challenge for Doordarshan.
5. Adapting to Digital Platforms:

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  The rise of digital platforms and the changing media
consumption habits of the audience pose challenges for
traditional broadcasters like Doordarshan. Adapting to digital
platforms, developing user-friendly apps, and expanding
online presence are essential to staying relevant.
6. Content Quality and Diversity:
 Ensuring a diverse and high-quality content lineup is crucial
for retaining viewers. Doordarshan faces the challenge of
producing content that appeals to a wide audience while
maintaining cultural relevance and meeting the expectations
of different demographic groups.
7. Regional Competition:
 Regional television channels have gained prominence,
especially in states with diverse languages and cultures.
Doordarshan faces the challenge of competing with regional
channels for viewership and advertising revenue.
8. Advertisement Revenue:
 Generating revenue through advertising is a significant
source of income for Doordarshan. However, attracting
advertisers and competing with private channels for ad
revenue can be challenging, particularly when private
channels may offer more targeted advertising options.
9. Audience Measurement and Ratings:
 Accurate audience measurement and ratings are essential for
attracting advertisers and understanding viewer preferences.
Doordarshan faces challenges in obtaining reliable ratings

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 data, which can impact its advertising revenue and strategic
programming decisions.
10. Maintaining Relevance and Innovation:
 To stay relevant, Doordarshan needs to continually innovate
and introduce new and engaging content. Balancing
traditional values with modern trends and incorporating
innovative formats is a constant challenge.

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 Criticism
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), there has been a proposal to fund it by
imposing a licence fee to own a television in India. Prasar Bharati is
Doordarshan's parent body, and its board members are appointed by
the Government of India through the Information and Broadcasting
Ministry. Doordarshan has been used, especially during
the Emergency, to disseminate government
propaganda. 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.

In 2004, it censored a controversial documentary on Jayaprakash

Narayan, an opposition leader during the Emergency

In 2014, When Doordarshan broadcast a 70-

minute Vijayadashami speech by Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS) leader Mohan Bhagwat, the 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."

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 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),
there has been a proposal to fund it by imposing a licence fee to own a
television in India.

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 Future of Doordarshan
The introduction of the internet and streaming, surfing services further
disrupted the traditional broadcasting business. In this changing scene,
Doordarshan faced numerous obstacles, which prompted the
development of DD National LIVE.

Doordarshan had to adapt to various changes to stay young and

relevant. One notable move was the establishment of DD National
Live streaming on its official website. This change made the Indian
public watch their favorite shows online, as a response to the shift in
watching rituals of the digital age.

To appeal to a larger audience, DD National Live began delivering

several recent performances as well as timeless favorites. The younger
generation was continuously and progressively using digital platforms
for amusement.

Future developments for Doordarshan’s voyage in the digital media era

are expected. It has come a long way from being the only source of
news and entertainment on television to adjusting to the digital
environment. Doordarshan’s presence on digital media has made a
positive difference in it to stay in contact with its loyal followers while
also attracting a new generation of Audiences. Despite excellent
improvement in modernization, Doordarshan still finds it difficult to
move ahead.

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One of the most common things that stopped Doordarshan from
moving ahead is that private broadcasters and internet streaming
services offer a wide range of local and foreign programs to meet a
wide range of tastes and preferences. To compete, Doordarshan must
continue to extend its innovative content, invest in high-quality
productions, and post-production, and also explore collaborations with
modern film directors and content producers.

Another important aspect includes making money. Doordarshan

frequently gets funding from the government since it provides a public
service. In the digital age, revenue can be generated through
subscription services and advertisements. It is difficult but important to
achieve an acceptable balance between its public service duty and
economic sustainability.

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