Surya Prakash Releases “The Evolution of TV News in India” by Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey

Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash launched veteran broadcaster and former Doordarshan producer Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey’s book, The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account, at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi.

Published by Om Books International, the book traces nearly five decades of Indian television journalism, covering the early years of Doordarshan, the expansion of satellite television, the rise of 24-hour news channels and the transformation of news media through digital platforms.

Key Highlights of the Book

The book offers a first-hand account of the development of Indian television news, drawing on Pandey’s professional experience in broadcasting and international communications.

• Author: Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey
• Book Title: The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account
• Released By: Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash
• Publisher: Om Books International
• Launch Venue: India International Centre, New Delhi
• Subject: The evolution of Indian television journalism from Doordarshan to digital media

Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey’s Broadcasting Career

Pandey began her broadcasting career at Doordarshan’s Mandi House headquarters in the early 1970s. After professional training with the BBC, she worked in television news production when newsrooms relied on film-based reporting, limited technical infrastructure and conventional broadcasting equipment.

During her 14 years at Doordarshan, she was associated with coverage of major events in Indian history, including the Emergency of 1975–77, the JP Movement, Operation Blue Star in 1984, the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and subsequent general elections. <Cite refs={[“turn703050search0″,”turn703050search1”]}/>

One memorable incident described in the book concerns the 1980 assassination of musician John Lennon. With suitable archival footage unavailable, Pandey reportedly used covers from her personal vinyl record collection to provide visuals for a television news bulletin.

From Doordarshan to the Digital News Era

The book examines how Indian television evolved from a predominantly public broadcasting system into a diverse media landscape. It covers the growth of satellite television during the 1990s, the expansion of private news channels, the development of election coverage and the emergence of digital news platforms.

It also recalls the contributions of prominent broadcasting professionals and news personalities, including Shammi Narang, Neethi Ravindran, Komal G.B. Singh, Vinod Dua and Dr Prannoy Roy.

After her broadcasting career, Pandey spent 21 years working in international communications, including roles with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Her experiences across both sectors inform the book’s account of changing media practices and technologies. <Cite refs={[“turn703050search0″,”turn703050search4”]}/>

About the Book

The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account combines personal recollections with important milestones in Indian television history. Published by Om Books International, it explores the challenges, innovations and institutional changes that shaped television journalism in India.

The book provides readers with an insider’s perspective on the transition from early television bulletins to today’s fast-paced digital news environment.