In Defence of Doordarshan

Sanjay Srivastava:

Over the past five years or so, I have become a regular viewer of the three state-funded channels, Doordarshan (DD), Rajya Sabha Television (RSTV) and Lok Sabha Television (LSTV). My conversations with a wide cross-section of people suggest that there are a large number of others like me who, ironically enough, find far more comprehensive, well-reasoned and un-sensationalist news and analysis on state-run electronic media than its “independent” counterparts. The controversy in May over the manner in which DD edited out certain portions of an interview with Narendra Modi should be seen in light of the specific relationship between the idea of “public” broadcasting, the publics it is meant to serve and the ambitions of those who control (or seek to control) the levers of state power. The future of independent and reasoned public debate in this country depends on understanding these contexts.