Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said Doordarshan and DD News were still popular among the masses despite the advent of a plethora of other channels.

“The success goes to the entire team for this,” Soni said at the 10th DD National Awards function in New Delhi on Wednesday.

She said that from the next year a new category will be included into the awards innovation creation and innovation presentation.

Soni said her Ministry also proposes to have a pack of 200 channels on its free-to-air DTH platform.

“Others (the private DTH operators) will have to think how to compete with us,” she said.

The Ministry proposes to implement the Rs 100 crore venture by the year end.

Soni along with Prasar Bharati chairperson Mrinal Pandey gave awards in about 32 categories.

While the Best Doordarshan Kendra award went to Hyderabad, the best telefilm award went to Eti Shaponave Pam Khedi of Guwahati Kendra.

The best news anchor award went jointly to Sakal Bhatt and Songam Vashum.