From Ramayan to AI anchors: Doordarshan is young even at 65

Doordarshan’s iconic logo swirling into view, accompanied by Pandit Ravi Shankar’s signature tune, instantly transports generations of Indians back to a simpler time. A time when news channels didn’t host heated debates. There were only news anchors like Gitanjali Aiyar, with her trademark poise and perfectly coiffed hair. It was also the era of shows like Malgudi Days and the early days of Shah Rukh Khan's stardom in Fauji. Fast forward to today, as the public broadcaster prepares to launch its new OTT platform, proving that even in the age of cord-cutters, Doordarshan remains dynamic. Well mostly.

Doordarshan is more than just television; it is a portal to a simpler time and it's just turned 65.

How it all started

Established on September 15, 1959, Doordarshan marked the beginning of India's television era. Initially launched as a public service broadcasting experiment, it was inaugurated by the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad.

What started with a modest black-and-white telecast in New Delhi has now transformed into India's largest broadcasting network with extensive offerings like DD Free Dish, one of its free-to-air services. DD Free Dish alone reaches around 45 million households, according to recent reports, making it the largest free-to-air DTH platform in India. Gifted by a European company in 1959, the initial closed-circuit TV equipment began regular broadcasts in Delhi in 1965. By 1975, Doordarshan had expanded its reach to seven more cities. It became a separate department within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 1976, later falling under Prasar Bharati. This is when the pubcaster got it logo (designed by the National Institute of Design) and signature tune. Doordarshan transitioned to colour broadcasts on August 15, 1982.

Timeless stories’ of shows and iconic careers

Over the years, Doordarshan’s content has become timeless. Shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Hum Log, Malgudi Days, Chitrahaar, Udaaan and Buniyaad not only shaped the viewing habits of generations but proved how content sold without packaging and marketing.

In fact, even in today’s age of short attention spans, Krishi Darshan on Doordarshan stands out as a testament to enduring content. 57 years on air, Krishi Darshan is India’s longest-running television show that started during the tenure of India's first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. With over 16,780 episodes aired, the show remains a reliable source of agricultural information.

Interestingly, Doordarshan also served as a launchpad for many of today’s iconic actors. Shah Rukh Khan (Fauji), Shekhar Suman (Wah Janab), and Raghubir Yadav (Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne) are just a few actors who began their careers on DD. Doordarshan in present times But Doordarshan isn't just about nostalgia; it has continually evolved to stay relevant. Over the years, it has expanded into a network of 35 satellite channels, including 6 national channels and 22 regional 24x7 channels.

In addition, Doordarshan operates 6 regional (non 24x7) channels and 1 international channel, supported by 59 transmitters across the country. It also runs the highly successful DD Free Dish service from its Earth Station in Todapur, Delhi. To keep up with changing times, the pubcaster has also got its fair share of technology upgrades. Doordarshan Kisan in recent years has introduced AI anchors—AI Krish and AI Bhoomi—becoming the first government TV channel in India to use artificial intelligence for 24/7 news delivery. These AI anchors can speak 50 languages, making them capable of seamless, multilingual broadcasting.

DD Free Dish

A very integral part of Doordarshan’s success story in recent times is DD Free Dish. Owned and operated by Prasar Bharati, is India’s only Free-to-Air (FTA) DTH service with no monthly subscription fee. It is accessible with a one-time investment of Rs. 1500-2000 for a set-top box and dish antenna. As of January 2024, DD Free Dish hosts 167 MPEG2 channels, including 37 Doordarshan channels, 51 educational channels, and 79 private channels, as well as 22 MPEG4 channels. This unique free-to-air model has made DD Free Dish the largest DTH platform in India, reaching around 45 million households (as per FICCI-E&Y 2023 report). Despite being a free-to-air service, it generates significant revenue through its auction-based slot sales to private broadcasters. This year, the pubcaster's total revenue rose 8% to around Rs 1,157 crore from selling 64 MPEG-2 slots. Last year, Prasar Bharati earned Rs 1,071 crore through e-auctions.