Doordarshan, India’s premier public service broadcaster, has been a cornerstone of Indian television since its inception. Operating under ‘Prasar Bharati’, Doordarshan provides television services across the country in both terrestrial and satellite modes. Separated from All India Radio (AIR) in 1976, it stands as a key media unit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
The Mission and Motto
Established with the noble aim of public service broadcasting, Doordarshan’s primary goals are to inform, educate, and entertain the masses. Its motto, “Satyam Shivam Sundaram,” translates to ‘The Truth is The God and The God is Beautiful’, reflecting its commitment to truth and beauty in its programming.
Organizational Structure
Doordarshan is headed by a Director General (DG), who is an ex-officio member of the Prasar Bharati Board. Currently, Supriya Sahu serves as the Director-General. Moreover, the engineering activities are supervised by the Engineer-in-Chief (E-in-C), with assistance from Additional Director Generals (ADGs). Furthermore, the organization operates a three-tier programme service: National, Regional, and Local, and currently runs 26 channels.
Three-Tier Programme Service
- National Programmes: These include news, current affairs, cultural magazines, sports, music, dance, drama, serials, and feature films, catering to a broad audience.
- Regional Programmes: Produced in the language and idiom of specific states, these programmes address regional interests and cultures.
- Local Programmes: These are area-specific, covering local issues and featuring local people, ensuring a grassroots connection.
Major Wings of Doordarshan
Doordarshan’s organizational structure is divided into four main wings:
- Programme Wing: Handles all aspects of programme conception, production, and procurement at national, regional, and local levels.
- News Wing: Responsible for news bulletins and current affairs programmes at both national and regional levels.
- Engineering Wing: Manages all hardware requirements, including the space segment, studios, and transmitters.
- Administration and Finance Wing: Deals with administrative and financial aspects, including general administration, personnel management, budget, and plan coordination. Furthermore, it oversees resource allocation to ensure that all wings function efficiently.
The Director General oversees all departments, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to Doordarshan’s mission. Additionally, the DG is supported by a team of Additional Director Generals and Deputy Director Generals, each responsible for specific areas such as development, news, communication, finance, and production.
The Workforce
Doordarshan’s extensive staff includes programme producers, video engineers, cameramen, lighting engineers, studio engineers, make-up supervisors, script designers, and many more. Together, these professionals work tirelessly in pre-production, production, and post-production to deliver quality content to viewers. Moreover, the commitment and expertise of this workforce are crucial to Doordarshan’s ability to maintain its high standards of broadcasting
Doordarshan’s legacy as a public service broadcaster is built on its dedication to serving the public interest, fostering education, and providing entertainment. In conclusion, it comprehensive structure and diverse programming ensure that it remains a vital part of India’s media landscape.
