Yesterday marked the 21st anniversary of Doordarshan News, India’s premier public service news broadcaster, which still remains one of the most watched TV news channels despite the private sector news outlets.

Launched on November 3, 2003 as a 24-hour news channel, DD News transitioned from DD Metro to a news channel, established itself as a credible source of news — allegations of government bias, notwithstanding. According to studies by the Reuters Institute and the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), it remains one of India’s most trusted news sources.

Broadcasting both terrestrially and via satellite, DD News covers the entire country, reaching 49 percent of the population and 25 percent of India’s geographical area,  as per data put out by the news channel itself.

The channel provides daily news in Hindi, English, Urdu and Sanskrit, and airs over 17 hours of live transmission and 30 news bulletins each day. In addition to regular news, DD News delivers special programming across various topics, including sports, health, culture, youth, and business.

With support from 14 Regional News Units (RNUs), four regional shows are also aired daily, covering local news in over 22 languages and dialects.

From its headquarters in New Delhi, DD News has expanded its footprint to include 31 RNUs and bureaus throughout the country. These bureaus broadcast more than 145 news bulletins each day, totalling over 50 hours of content. Jammu and Kashmir alone has two RNUs, with an additional bureau in Leh for Ladakh.

Supported by 900 stringers across all districts, DD News provides thorough coverage across India’s diverse regions.

DD India, DD News’ sister channel, presents Indian news and current affairs in English for an international audience. Since its transition to a HD format in October 2020, DD India has gained recognition as an English news channel by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India. Its global presence was particularly evident on International Yoga Day 2022, when the channel live-broadcasted events from over 180 countries in a special programme titled ‘Guardian Ring’.

The network has also embraced digital platforms, with an active presence on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Through these channels, DD News provides timely updates, counters misinformation, and promotes reliable information across digital spaces.

As a public service broadcaster, DD News is dedicated to covering key national events, such as live broadcasts of the Republic Day Parade in the Capital city and events featuring India’s constitutional dignitaries. The channel’s focus on factual, unbiased reporting has established it as a leading news provider for audiences in India and abroad.