In order to attract a niche audience and meet a long-standing demand from a section of its viewers, Doordarshan is set to launch a news programme in Sanskrit on weekends.
Officials say there have been demands from a section of viewers for a news programme in Sanskrit and DD News being the public broadcaster, wants to cater to this demand.
The half-and-hour long programme is expected to go on air by June end or July beginning.
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“DD News already has a five minute Sanskrit news bulletin ‘Varta’ which is telecast at 6.55 everyday. However it is felt that five minutes is not adequate and we are looking at creating a half and hour programme for weekends, though a slot is yet to be decided,” DG (News) Doordarshan Akshay Kumar Rout told PTI.
The programme will have news, reportage, features and discussions in Sanskrit and on basis of the response from the show, DD would consider its future plan of action. “After that, based on the viewer’s interest in the show, we will consider having more programmes in Sanskrit,” Mr. Rout said.
Presently getting the right human resource and content for the half an hour programme, which is yet to be named, is what the channel is working at.
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Officials said that the news presenters and staff who help in bring out the five minute ‘Varta’ bulletin everyday would contribute but more professionals would be needed for which Doordarshan may hire in the coming days.
“We also propose to get in touch with academic institutions and other organisations which can help us in creating the best quality content in Sanskrit,” Mr. Rout said.