Today marks the 21st anniversary of DD News, India’s premier public service news broadcaster, which was launched on November 3, 2003 as 24-hour news channel. Transitioning from DD-Metro to a 24-hour news channel, DD News has established itself as a credible source of accurate, balanced, and impartial news. 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% of the population and 25% of India’s geographical area. 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, totaling 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.
Expanding to Global Audiences and Digital Platforms
DD India, DD News’s sister channel, presents Indian news and current affairs in English for an international audience. Since its transition to a High Definition (HD) format in October 2020, DD India has gained recognition as an English news channel by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). Its global presence was particularly evident on International Yoga Day 2022, when the channel live-broadcasted events from over 180 countries in a special program 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.
Highlighting National Events and Traditions
As a public service broadcaster, DD News is dedicated to covering key national events, such as live broadcasts of the Republic Day Parade from Kartavya Path, 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.
As DD News celebrates 21 years, it continues to uphold its founding principles of public service broadcasting. With a commitment to tradition and a focus on digital innovation, DD News remains a cornerstone of trusted news in India.