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{{Short description|India's public service broadcaster}}
{{Distinguish|DoorDash}}
{{for|another use|Doordarshan (film)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox broadcasting network
| name = Doordarshan
| image = Doordarshan Bhawan, Copernicus Marg, Delhi.jpg
| image_alt = Building with
trees and parked cars
| caption = Doordarshan Bhawan at [[Mandi House]], [[New Delhi]]
| country = [[India]]
| language = [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Meitei language|Meitei]], [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Odia language|Odia]]
| motto = {{lang|sa|सत्यम् शिवम् सुंदरम्}}<br />
(“Ultimate reality for one is truth, is Śiva (the auspicious absolute), and is beauty.”)
| headquarters = [[New Delhi, Delhi]]
| key_people = Gaurav Dwivedi ([[CEO]])
| network_type = {{ubl|[[Public broadcasting]]|[[Terrestrial television|Broadcast]]|[[Satellite television]]| [[Internet]]|[[Over-the-top media service|OTT]]}}
| available = India
| owner = [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]],<br/>[[Government of India]]
| parent = [[Prasar Bharati]]
| launch_date = 1959
| founder = [[Government of India]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.doordarshan.gov.in/|https://onlinedst.gov.in/PI/PIUploadDocumentsUCSE.aspx/}}
| logo = DD Logo.svg
| logo_size = 180px
| image_size = 200px
| broadcast_area = Indian Subcontinent
| branding = DD
| Picture format = [[1080p]] ([[HDTV]])<br />(downscaled to 16:9 576i for the SDTV feed)
| callsign_meaning = '''D'''oor'''D'''arshan
| screenshot = Doordarshan Bhawan New Delhi.jpg
| screenshot_size = 200px
| screenshot_alt = Doordarshan House
}}
'''Doordarshan''' ({{lit|distant vision, [[television]]}}), abbreviated as '''DD''', is India's [[State-owned enterprise|state-owned]] [[public broadcasting|public]] [[television broadcaster]]. Established by the [[Government of India]] on 15 September 1959,<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=15 September 2016 |title=Doordarshan turns 57; watch the video of its first telecast plus 7 lesser-known facts about DD |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/top-stories/story/doordarshan-turns-57-watch-video-of-its-first-telecast-plus-7-lesser-known-facts-about-dd-lifetv-341215-2016-09-15 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021205906/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/doordarshan-turns-57-watch-video-of-its-first-telecast-plus-7-lesser-known-facts-about-dd-lifetv/1/764901.html |archive-date=21 October 2017 |access-date=13 October 2017}}</ref> it is owned by the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]] and constitutes one of [[Prasar Bharati]]'s two divisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/yop6tSTK4fyVQ9vLkT4EeK/The-future-of-Doordarshan-is-on-the-block.html|title=The future of Doordarshan is on the block|date=November 2016|access-date=20 August 2017|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820121047/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/yop6tSTK4fyVQ9vLkT4EeK/The-future-of-Doordarshan-is-on-the-block.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Doordarshan, one of India's largest broadcasting organisations in studio and [[transmitter]] infrastructure, delivers television, [[radio]], online, and mobile services across metropolitan and regional India, and internationally. It also broadcasts via digital terrestrial transmitters.

== History ==
=== Beginnings ===
[[File:Doordarshan 60th Foundation Day Stamps.jpg|thumb|A sheet of stamps released in 2019 on the occasion of Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day]]
[[File:Doordarshan 60th Foundation Day Stamp.jpg|thumb|A stamp on Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day]]

The channel began modestly as an experimental broadcaster in [[Delhi]] on 15 September 1959, with a small transmitter and a makeshift studio. Regular daily transmission commenced in 1965 as part of [[All India Radio]], with a five-minute news bulletin read by [[Pratima Puri]]. [[Salma Sultan]] joined Doordarshan in 1967 and became a news anchor. [[Gitanjali Aiyar]], Neethi Ravindran, and Rini Simon became popular news anchors in the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Anuj |date=2023-06-07 |title=Gitanjali Aiyar, popular Doordarshan news anchor, passes away |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gitanjali-aiyar-popular-tv-news-anchor-passes-away/article66943748.ece |access-date=2023-12-31 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

''[[Krishi Darshan]]'', which debuted on Doordarshan on 26 January 1967, is considered Indian television's longest-running programme.<ref name="deb2009lad">{{Citation | title=Indian Democracy: Problems and Prospects | author=Sharmila Mitra Deb | date=July 2009 | publisher=Anthem Press, 2009 | isbn=978-81-907570-4-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_XFvehm9NmcC | quote=the well-known program Krishi Darshan, which started its telecast on January 26, 1967... 'informing' and 'educating' the farmers about improving agricultural productivity | access-date=15 November 2015 | archive-date=1 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501190107/https://books.google.com/books?id=_XFvehm9NmcC | url-status=live }}</ref>

Television services were expanded to [[Mumbai|Bombay]] (now Mumbai) and [[Amritsar]] in 1972. By 1975, only seven Indian cities had access to television, with Doordarshan being the sole provider in the country.

On 1 April 1976, television services were officially separated from radio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011821095/short-essay-on-development-of-television-in-india.html|title=Short essay on Development of Television in India|first=Payal|last=Kamat|date=18 January 2012|access-date=20 December 2016|archive-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104035419/http://www.preservearticles.com/2012011821095/short-essay-on-development-of-television-in-india.html|url-status=live}}</ref> All India Radio and Doordarshan were placed under the management of separate Directors-General in New Delhi. In 1982, Doordarshan transitioned into a national broadcaster.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Brief History of Television in India|url=https://www.davuniversity.org/images/files/study-material/History%20of%20DD.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=14 August 2021|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814011244/https://www.davuniversity.org/images/files/study-material/History%20of%20DD.pdf}}</ref>

=== Nationwide transmission ===

National telecasts ([[DD National]]) were introduced in 1982. [[Color television|Colour television]] in India was introduced with the live telecast of Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]]'s Independence Day speech on 15 August 1982, followed by the colour broadcast of the [[1982 Asian Games]] held in Delhi.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhalla|first=Sahil|title=Flashback 1982: The Asian Games that transformed Delhi|url=http://scroll.in/article/680435/flashback-1982-the-asian-games-that-transformed-delhi|access-date=2021-12-31|website=Scroll.in|date=25 September 2014 |language=en-US|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231023101/https://scroll.in/article/680435/flashback-1982-the-asian-games-that-transformed-delhi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 24, 2009|title=1982-Colour television is introduced: Out of the dark ages|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20091228-1982-colour-television-is-introduced-out-of-the-dark-ages-741614-2009-12-24|access-date=2021-12-31|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231023055/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20091228-1982-colour-television-is-introduced-out-of-the-dark-ages-741614-2009-12-24|url-status=live}}</ref> Two years later, Doordarshan evolved into a structured TV network. The sole TV channel was split into DD-1, a nationally broadcast channel, and DD-2, a city-focused channel. In 1993, they were rebranded as DD National and DD Metro to compete with the then-newly privatised television industry.

According to Mitra, with the start of nationwide transmission in the 1980s Doordarshan began to push a homogenous hegemonic national image of India as a [[North India|North Indian]] [[Hindus|Hindu]] [[Hindi]]-speaking nation via the broadcast of shows such as [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|''Mahabharat'' (1988 TV series)]] and [[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|''Ramayan'' (1987 TV series)]]. Mitra states Doordarshan's choice of programming depicted other religions, regions, and languages as "marginal or sometimes deviant".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mitra |first=Ananda |date=1993 |title=Television and the Nation: Doordarshan's India |journal=Media Asia |volume=20 |issue=1 |doi=10.1080/01296612.1993.11726404}}</ref>

The live telecasts of the opening and closing ceremonies of the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] were aired on Doordarshan's national channel, while [[DD Sports]] offered round-the-clock coverage of the event.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment/entertainment/doordarshan-to-live-telecast-london-olympics-opening-and-closing-ceremonies/articleshow/15146433.cms|title=Doordarshan to live telecast London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies|date=25 July 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 July 2012|archive-date=13 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183907/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment/entertainment/doordarshan-to-live-telecast-london-olympics-opening-and-closing-ceremonies/articleshow/15146433.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 17 November 2014, Doordarshan director-general Vijayalaxmi Chhabra introduced a pink-and-purple colour scheme with a new slogan: ''Desh Ka Apna Channel'' ("The country's own channel").<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DD-National-to-be-relaunched-as-Desh-Ka-Apna-Channel/articleshow/45155201.cms|title=DD National to be relaunched as 'Desh Ka Apna Channel'|date=15 November 2014|access-date=16 November 2014|archive-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206014256/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DD-National-to-be-relaunched-as-Desh-Ka-Apna-Channel/articleshow/45155201.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Doordarshan operated a network of nearly 1,400 terrestrial transmitters and had 46 studios producing television programmes.<ref>[https://www.channellist.in/dd-free-dish/ Doordarshan Channel List (2017)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223701/https://www.channellist.in/dd-free-dish/ |date=17 February 2017 }}. DD Free Dish Channels, 17 February 2017</ref> After introducing private channels, Doordarshan has faced challenges in maintaining its position in the television industry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/doordarshan-a-struggle-for-relevance/1088480/|title=Doordarshan: A struggle for relevance|date=6 March 2018|website=The Financial Express|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135235/https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/doordarshan-a-struggle-for-relevance/1088480/|url-status=live}}</ref> Currently, Doordarshan focuses on improving its studios and programmes, primarily aimed to serve the nation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/indias-radio-signals-got-more-reach-in-pakistan-than-their-in-india-rathore/|title=India's radio signals got more reach in Pakistan than they are in India: Rathore|date=7 February 2019|website=Jammu Kashmir Latest News|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011758/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/indias-radio-signals-got-more-reach-in-pakistan-than-their-in-india-rathore/|url-status=live}}</ref>

DD National and [[DD News]]<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Jebaraj |first1=Priscilla |date=14 September 2010 |title='Irregular' Doordarshan appointments quashed |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irregular-doordarshan-appointments-quashed/article634149.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506102845/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irregular-doordarshan-appointments-quashed/article634149.ece |archive-date=6 May 2014 |access-date=6 May 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>—along with 17 regional satellite channels, 11 state networks, an international channel ([[DD India]]), a sports channel (DD Sports), cultural and informative channels like [[DD Bharati]] and [[DD Urdu]], and an agricultural channel, [[DD Kisan]]. On DD National (formerly DD-1), regional and local programs are aired on a time-sharing basis for terrestrial broadcasting only. DD News, launched on 3 November 2003, replaced [[DD Metro]] (formerly DD-2), providing 24-hour news coverage. These channels are relayed through all terrestrial transmitters in India. The regional-language satellite channels consist of two components: a regional service for a specific state (relayed by all terrestrial transmitters in that state) and additional regional-language programs available through cable and DTH operators. DD Sports broadcasts national and international sporting events and is the only channel to air rural sports such as [[Kho kho|kho-kho]] and [[kabaddi]].

A new regional channel, [[DD Arunprabha]], was initially scheduled to begin broadcasting on 15 February 2018,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-launch-new-doordarshan-channel-dd-arun-prabha-for-the-north-east-in-arunachal-pradesh-1811881|title=PM Modi To Launch New Doordarshan Channel for the North East in Arunachal Pradesh|work=NDTV.com|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126134855/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-launch-new-doordarshan-channel-dd-arun-prabha-for-the-north-east-in-arunachal-pradesh-1811881|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-to-launch-dd-arun-prabha-on-feb-15/articleshow/62887849.cms|title=PM to launch DD Arun Prabha on Feb 15|work=The Times of India|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126150631/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-to-launch-dd-arun-prabha-on-feb-15/articleshow/62887849.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> focusing on the [[Northeast India|North Eastern region]] of India as a 24/7 satellite television channel. However, its launch was delayed<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/071018/launch-of-dds-arun-prabha-put-on-hold.html|title=Launch of DD's Arun Prabha put on hold|date=7 October 2018|work=The Asian Age|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=26 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135136/http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/071018/launch-of-dds-arun-prabha-put-on-hold.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and eventually took place on 9 February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=359495|title=PM Modi launches DD Arun Prabha channel in Itanagar today|website=newsonair.com|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-date=9 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180822/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=359495|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 March 2019, [[Prasar Bharati]] expanded Indian's satellite footprint through [[DD Free Dish]] by adding 11 more state DD channels. This included five channels for the North Eastern states: [[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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=360791|title=11 more State DD Channels on Satellite footprint|work=NewsOnAIR|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204021340/http://www.newsonair.com/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=360791|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prasar-bharati-brought-11-more-state-doordarshan-channels-on-satellite-footprint-pm-modi-5618448/|title=Prasar Bharati brought 11 more state Doordarshan channels on satellite footprint: PM Modi|work=TheIndianExpress|access-date=9 March 2019|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107225852/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/prasar-bharati-brought-11-more-state-doordarshan-channels-on-satellite-footprint-pm-modi-5618448/|url-status=live}}</ref> DD Bangla, launched on 9 August 1975, features a programming mix that includes soap operas, [[infotainment]] series, news and current affairs, social programs, and films, all in [[Bengali language|Bangla]].

On 13 April 2020, Prasar Bharati launched [[DD Retro]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19 lockdown: Prasar Bharti launches DD Retro to invoke nostalgia |url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/covid-19-lockdown-prasar-bharti-launches-dd-retro-to-invoke-nostalgia-11586754534432.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416091037/https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/covid-19-lockdown-prasar-bharti-launches-dd-retro-to-invoke-nostalgia-11586754534432.html |archive-date=16 April 2020 |access-date=14 April 2020}}</ref> a channel dedicated to airing classic [[Hindi]] serials from Doordarshan. However, the service ceased operations on 1 April 2023 due to low viewership.

==Channel list==
Doordarshan operates 44 channels, including HD feeds.

=== National channels (7) ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="width:180pt"|Channel
!style="width:180pt"|Launched
!style="width:300pt"|Language
!style="width:300pt"|Category
!style="width:180pt"|SD/HD
!style="width:300pt"|Notes
|-
| [[DD National]]
| 1959
| [[Hindi]]
| General Entertainment
| SD+HD
| Formerly DD1
|-
| [[DD India]]
| 1992
| [[English language|English]]
| International news
| SD+HD
| Formerly DD International
|-
| [[DD Sports]]
| 1998
| [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]]
| [[Sports journalism|Sports]]
| SD+HD
|
|-
| [[DD Bharati]]
| 2002
| [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]]
| [[Art]] and [[Cultural]] [[Infotainment]]
| SD
| Replaced DD3
|-
| [[DD News]]
| 2003
| [[Hindi]]
| [[News broadcasting| News and Current Affairs]]
| SD+HD
| Replaced DD Metro (formerly DD2 and DD2 Metro)
|-
| [[DD Urdu]]
| 2006
| [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
| [[Infotainment]]
| SD
|
|-
|[[DD Kisan]]
| 2015
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Agricultural]] [[Infotainment]]
| SD+HD
|
|-
|}

==={{anchor|Regional language channel}}Regional channels (28)===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="width:180pt"|Channel
!style="width:300pt"|Language
!style="width:300pt"|Region
!style="width:180pt"|SD/HD
!style="width:300pt"|Former Names
|-
| [[DD Arunprabha]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Arunachal Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
| [[DD Assam]]
| [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
| [[Assam]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
| [[DD Bangla]]
| [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Santali language|Santhali]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]] and [[Nepali Language|Nepali]]
| [[West Bengal]]
| SD
| DD7
|-
| [[DD Bihar]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Bihar]]
| SD
|
|-
| [[DD Chandana]]
| [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| [[Karnataka]]
| SD
| DD9
|-
| [[DD Chhattisgarh]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Chhattisgarh]]
| SD
|
|-
| [[DD Girnar]]
| [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
| [[Gujarat]]
| SD+HD
| Doordarshan Kendra Ahmedabad
|-
| [[DD Haryana]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Haryana]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Hisar
|-
| [[DD Himachal Pradesh]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Himachal Pradesh]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Shimla
|-
| [[DD Jharkhand]]
| [[Hindi]], [[Nagpuri language|Nagpuri]], and [[Santali language|Santali]]
| [[Jharkhand]]
| SD
|
|-
| [[DD Kashir]]
| [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] and [[Gojri language|Gojri]]
| [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, Jammu and Leh
|-
| [[DD Madhya Pradesh]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Madhya Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD11
|-
| [[DD Malayalam]]
| [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| [[Kerala]]
| SD
| DD4
|-
| DD Manipur
| [[Meitei language|Meitei]] (aka [[Manipuri language|Manipuri]])<ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=Dr Paramveer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ncg7EAAAQBAJ&dq=manipuri+language+doordarshan&pg=PA43 |title=Indian Silver Screen |date=2021-08-05 |publisher=K.K. Publications |pages=43, 65, 66 |language=en | quote= ...The centre broadcasts most of its programs in the Manipuri language... }}</ref>
| [[Manipur]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
| DD Meghalaya
| [[Khasi language|Khasi]] and [[Indian English|English]]
| [[Meghalaya]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
| [[DD Mizoram]]
| [[Mizo language|Mizo]]
| [[Mizoram]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Aizawl
|-
| DD Nagaland
| [[Indian English|English]]
| [[Nagaland]]
| SD
| DD13
|-
| [[DD Odia]]
| [[Odia language|Odia]] and [[Santali language|Santali]]
| [[Odisha]]
| SD+HD
| DD6
|-
| [[DD Panaji]]
| [[Konkani language|Konkani]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| [[Goa]]
| SD
|
|-
| [[DD Punjabi]]
| [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Jalandhar
|-
| [[DD Rajasthan]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Rajasthan]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Rajasthan
|-
| [[DD Sahyadri]]
| [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| [[Maharashtra]]
| SD+HD
| DD10
|-
| [[DD Saptagiri]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD8
|-
| [[DD Tamil]]
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| [[Tamil Nadu]]
| SD+HD
| DD5, DD Podhigai
|-
| [[DD Tripura]]
| [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Kokborok language|Kokborok]]
| [[Tripura]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Agartala
|-
| [[DD Uttarakhand]]
| [[Hindi]], [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]] and [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]
| [[Uttarakhand]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Uttarakhand
|-
| [[DD Uttar Pradesh]]
| [[Hindi]]
| [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| SD
| DD16
|-
| [[DD Yadagiri]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
| [[Telangana]]
| SD
| Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad
|}

===Former channels===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Channel
!Language
!From
!Until
|-
|[[DD Metro]]
|Hindi
|1984
|2003
|-
|[[DD Retro]]
|Hindi
|2020
|2023
|}

== International broadcasting ==
The [[DD India]] satellite channel has been broadcast in 146 countries. In the [[United Kingdom]], it was available through the [[Eurobird]] satellite on the Sky system's channel 833, under the logo Rayat TV. However, transmission via [[Sky UK|Sky Digital]] ended in June 2008, followed by the termination of its broadcast via [[DirecTV]] in the [[United States]] the following month.

== Record viewership during the pandemic COVID-19 ==
{{Recentism|date=March 2023}}
The ''[[Ramayan (1987 TV series)|Ramayan]]'' on DD National set a world record by becoming the highest-viewed entertainment programme globally. The 9:00 p.m. broadcast on 16 April 2020 was watched by 77 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus Lockdown Creates Captive Audience for '80s Show |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdown-creates-captive-audience-for-80s-show-11588082808 |url-access=subscription |first1=Eric |last1=Bellman |publisher=wsj |date=April 28, 2020 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223093512/https://www.wsj.com/articles/coronavirus-lockdown-creates-captive-audience-for-80s-show-11588082808 |url-status=live }}</ref> The show reached over 285 million viewers during its broadcast. In response to the nationwide lockdown, DD network aired several nostalgic shows, including ''[[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|Mahabharat]]'', ''[[Chanakya (TV series)|Chanakya]]'', ''[[Shri Krishna (1993 TV series)|Shri Krishna]]'', ''[[Malgudi Days (TV series)|Malgudi Days]]'', ''[[Byomkesh Bakshi (TV series)|Byomkesh Bakshi]]'', and ''[[Shaktimaan]]''. Due to increasing public demand for such content, Prasar Bharati launched DD Retro, a full-time channel dedicated to classic programming. Within five weeks of its launch, DD Retro garnered viewership of nearly 50 million. Additionally, the DD network played a key role in public messaging during the pandemic, reaching over 400 million viewers through COVID-19 awareness messages and shows during the first wave of 2020.

== {{anchor|Allegations of state control|Commercial viability}}Criticisms ==
[[Prasar Bharati]] is the parent body of Doordarshan, and the [[Government of India]] appoints its board members through the [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ddbhopal.nic.in/RTI/32.pdf |title=Powers of the Director Doordarshan Kendra Bhopal |website=Doordarshan Bhopal |access-date=28 May 2009 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165106/http://ddbhopal.nic.in/RTI/32.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Relevance inline|discuss=where is criticism?|date=June 2024}}

Doordarshan has been used, particularly during the [[The Emergency (India)|Emergency]], to disseminate government propaganda.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040126/asp/nation/story_2827052.asp |title=Channel war drives DD to shelve bias |work=The Telegraph |date=26 January 2004 |access-date=29 May 2012 |location=New Delhi |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024111251/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040126/asp/nation/story_2827052.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> During [[Operation Blue Star]] in 1984, only government sources were relied upon for reporting the events. Additionally, Doordarshan was involved in the production of a video that claimed acts of violence, which, when investigated by independent journalists, were found to be false.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

In 2004, it censored a controversial documentary on [[Jayaprakash Narayan]], an opposition leader during the Emergency.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kuldip Nayar Posted: 9 November 2004 at 0012 hrs IST |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/58549/ |title=Censoring his own past |work=The Indian Express |date=9 November 2004 |access-date=29 May 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231150025/http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/58549 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, Doordarshan broadcast a 70-minute [[Vijayadashami]] speech by [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh|Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)]] leader [[Mohan Bhagwat]], which led to criticism of the [[Premiership of Narendra Modi|Narendra Modi administration]] and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] for "misusing" the public broadcaster. DD Director-General Archana Datta responded, "The speech was like any other news event; therefore, we covered it."<ref>{{cite news|title=Doordarshan telecasts RSS chief's speech live, stirs controversy|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doordarshan-telecasts-RSS-chiefs-speech-live-stirs-controversy/articleshow/44189792.cms|work=The Times of India|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006041213/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Doordarshan-telecasts-RSS-chiefs-speech-live-stirs-controversy/articleshow/44189792.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kalbag|first1=Chaitanya|title=A dangerous line was crossed when Doordarshan telecast Bhagwat's speech live|url=http://qz.com/275648/a-dangerous-line-was-crossed-when-doordarshan-telecast-bhagwats-speech-live/|work=Quartz|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104071447/http://qz.com/275648/a-dangerous-line-was-crossed-when-doordarshan-telecast-bhagwats-speech-live/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's speech covered just like a news event: Doordarshan|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwats-speech-covered-just-like-a-news-event-doordarshan/|work=The Indian Express|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104085428/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/politics/rss-chief-mohan-bhagwats-speech-covered-just-like-a-news-event-doordarshan/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since private television channels were authorised in 1991, Doordarshan has experienced a steep decline in viewership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/doordarshan-turns-60-here-is-a-nostalgic-look-at-the-broadcasters-milestones/first-on-dd/slideshow/71241736.cms?from=mdr|work=India Times|
title=Doordarshan turns 60: Here is a nostalgic look at the broadcaster's milestones |first=Shephali |last=Bhatt| date=Sep 22, 2019}}</ref> Although Doordarshan earns significant advertising revenue, due to its compulsory feed from the highest bidder for national events, including cricket matches,<ref name="thehindubusinessline.com">{{cite web |date=23 July 2002 |title=DD leads viewership sweepstakes &#151 Tops among all homes nationwide, but lowest in C&S |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/23/stories/2002072301320600.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050601015218/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2002/07/23/stories/2002072301320600.htm |archive-date=1 June 2005 |access-date=29 May 2012 |work=Business Line}}</ref> there has been a proposal to fund the network by imposing a [[Television licence|licence fee]] for owning a television in India.<ref>{{cite news|author=Himanshi Dhawan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-mulls-licence-fee-on-every-colour-TV/articleshow/2190038.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811092349/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-07-10/india/27967311_1_licence-fee-colour-prasar-bharati-act |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Govt mulls 'licence fee' on every colour TV |date=10 July 2007 |work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=29 May 2012}}</ref>

==Legacy==
A [[Doordarshan (film)|film named after the broadcaster]], spiritually motivated by the 2003 [[Germany|German]] film ''[[Good Bye, Lenin!]]'', was released in February 2020.

== See also ==
* {{annotated link|All India Radio}}
* {{annotated link|DD Free Dish}}
* {{annotated link|DD India}}
* {{annotated link|DD National}}
* {{annotated link|DD Retro}}
* [[List of programs broadcast by DD National]]
* {{annotated link|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)|Ministry of Information and Broadcasting}}
* {{annotated link|Sansad TV}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* [https://doordarshan.gov.in/ Durdarshan official site]
* [http://www.ddinews.gov.in/ Doordarshan news site]
* [https://twitter.com/DDNewsLive DD News] on [[Twitter]]
* [https://www.facebook.com/DDNews DD News] on [[Facebook]]

{{MIBI}}
{{Prasara Bharathi Network}}
{{Terrestrial television channels of India}}
{{CATV}}

[[Category:Doordarshan| ]]
[[Category:Doordarshan original programming|*]]
[[Category:Television networks in India]]
[[Category:Television stations in India]]
[[Category:Companies based in New Delhi]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1959]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1959]]
[[Category:1959 establishments in Delhi]]
[[Category:Foreign television channels broadcasting in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Multilingual broadcasters]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director National Film Award]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation National Film Award]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Film on Family Welfare National Film Award]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Film on National Integration National Film Award]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Film on Other Social Issues National Film Award]]
[[Category:Television broadcasting companies of India]]
[[Category:Mass media companies of India]]
[[Category:Television companies of India|Broadcasting]]

Doordarshan - Revision history

Banti at 07:10, 18 March 2026