Doordarshan Kendra Vijayawada (DDK Vijayawada) has announced an official notification for the recruitment of Stringers on an empanelment basis for various districts in Andhra Pradesh. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals in the fields of cinematography, videography, news gathering, and broadcast journalism to contribute to public broadcasting. Interested and eligible candidates are invited to apply offline through the official DDK Vijayawada website. The application process is open until the last date, 20th February 2026, and candidates are advised to carefully review the detailed eligibility criteria, salary structure, application procedures, and other important instructions provided in this comprehensive job description. Below, you will find all relevant information necessary to prepare your application and understand the recruitment process thoroughly.
DDK Vijayawada RNU Stringers Empanelment Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Doordarshan Kendra, Vijayawada – Regional News Unit (DDK Vijayawada RNU) |
| Post Name | Stringers |
| Number of Posts | Not specified (Empanelment for multiple districts) |
| Salary/Remuneration |
|
| Qualification Requirements | Experience and expertise in cinematography, videography, news gathering, or broadcast journalism; Academic and Technical Qualifications as per the notification. |
| Application Last Date | 20th February 2026, till 5 PM |
| Official Website | https://prasarbharati.gov.in/ |
Vacancy Details by District
The recruitment for Stringers is district-specific, covering multiple regions in Andhra Pradesh. Although the total number of posts is not specified, vacancies are available across various districts. The table below summarizes the districts where empanelment is being conducted:
| District Name | Post | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Alluri Sitarama Raju | Stringer | Not specified |
| Anakapalli | Stringer | Not specified |
| Anantapuramu | Stringer | Not specified |
| Annamayya | Stringer | Not specified |
| Chittoor | Stringer | Not specified |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema | Stringer | Not specified |
| Bapatla | Stringer | Not specified |
| East Godavari | Stringer | Not specified |
| Eluru | Stringer | Not specified |
| Guntur | Stringer | Not specified |
| Kakinada | Stringer | Not specified |
| Tirupati | Stringer | Not specified |
| Krishna | Stringer | Not specified |
| Kurnool | Stringer | Not specified |
| Markapuram | Stringer | Not specified |
| NTR District | Stringer | Not specified |
| Nandyala | Stringer | Not specified |
| Palnadu | Stringer | Not specified |
| Parvathipuram Manyam | Stringer | Not specified |
| Prakasam | Stringer | Not specified |
| Polavaram | Stringer | Not specified |
| Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore | Stringer | Not specified |
| Sri Satyasai | Stringer | Not specified |
| Srikakulam | Stringer | Not specified |
| Visakhapatnam | Stringer | Not specified |
| Vizianagaram | Stringer | Not specified |
| West Godavari | Stringer | Not specified |
| YSR Kadapa | Stringer | Not specified |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific educational, experience, and technical qualifications to be considered for the Stringer empanelment. The detailed criteria are as follows:
Academic Qualifications
Applicants should possess relevant academic qualifications supported by proof, including but not limited to degrees, diplomas, or certificates in the following fields:
- Cinematography
- Videography
- Journalism
- Broadcast Journalism
- Related fields as specified in the notification
Technical Qualifications and Equipment
Qualified candidates should have technical expertise and own facilities such as:
- Cameras (professional/cinematic/ENG setups)
- Audiovisual recording equipment
- Lighting equipment
- Other relevant broadcast accessories
Details of equipment ownership must be supported by documentary evidence. Preference will be given to candidates possessing professional ENG (Electronic News Gathering) equipment.
Professional Experience
Applicants should have proven experience in areas like:
- Cameraperson or videographer work for news organizations
- Electronic journalism or news gathering
- Media coverage of various subjects including current affairs, sports, and local issues
Experience proof should include organizational details, work period, and a record of visual assignments completed successfully.
Documentation
Candidates must submit documentary evidence supporting all qualifications, experience, and equipment ownership. The documentation should include certificates, work reports, project summaries, and other relevant credentials, furnished in duplicate copies as per the notification’s instructions.
Salary Structure and Payment Terms
The remuneration policy is based on the types of coverage and their durations:
| Coverage Type | Rate (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Local coverage (<6 hours) | 1,500 |
| Second local coverage exceeding 6 hours or locations > 10 km apart | 1,000 |
| Outstation coverage (beyond district limits) | 1,800 |
Payments are made per coverage basis, regardless of footage length or usage. All payments include transportation and delivery charges.
Age Limit and Other Conditions
The official notification does not specify any age limit. However, candidates must possess the requisite experience and technical qualifications to qualify for empanelment.
Application Fee and Payment Procedure
Interested applicants must submit a non-refundable processing fee of Rs. 1,180/-, which includes GST. The fee should be paid via Demand Draft drawn in favor of “DDO/ DDK, Vijayawada” payable at Vijayawada.
The Demand Draft must be enclosed with the application in a sealed envelope. No other mode of payment is accepted.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date for receipt of applications | 20th February 2026, by 5 PM |
Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple steps to ensure only qualified and capable candidates are empanelled as Stringers:
- Scrutiny of Applications: All received applications will be evaluated based on educational qualifications, experience, equipment, credibility, and other criteria as per the assessment scale provided in the official notification.
- Test Coverage Submission: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to produce a test coverage using their own equipment and raw素材, which will be evaluated for quality and authenticity.
- Interview and Equipment Verification: Candidates will undergo interviews and physical verification of their equipment by the Empanelment or Technical Committee.
- Final Selection: The final panel will be prepared based on comprehensive assessment scores, test quality, and interview performance. The list of selected Stringers will be published officially, and candidates will be informed in writing.
Note: Stringers may be removed from the panel for reasons such as non-compliance with assignment obligations, subpar content quality, delays, or unethical practices like subcontracting or cartel operations.
General Guidelines and Instructions
The Regional News Unit (RNU), Doordarshan Kendra Vijayawada, invites applications from individuals with proven experience in news coverage for the districts listed. Candidates should:
- Specify their preferred district for empanelment in the application form.
- Be based in the district where they seek empanelment and continue to work there if selected.
- Cover news, current affairs, sports, and other subjects essential for regional broadcasting.
- Alert RNU to major news developments or breaking stories in a timely manner.
Applications must be submitted in sealed covers labeled “Empanelment of Stringers of DD News-2026” by the deadline. Supporting documentation for qualifications, experience, and equipment must accompany the application, as specified in the notification.
For further clarifications, candidates may contact the RNU via email at: [email protected]
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Download the prescribed application form (Annexure-A) from the official notification [here](https://prasarbharati.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Vijayawada-Stringers-Advertisement-PDF.pdf).
- Fill in all required details, including district preference, personal particulars, academic and technical qualifications, experience, and equipment ownership.
- Attach attested copies of certificates supporting your qualifications and experience, as well as proof of equipment ownership.
- Include a Demand Draft of Rs. 1,180/- payable to “DDO/ DDK, Vijayawada”.
- Seal and enclose the application in a cover marked “Empanelment of Stringers of DD News-2026”.
- Send the complete application in triplicate to the address below before the deadline:
Address for Submission:
To,
The Head of News,
Regional News Unit,
Doordarshan Kendra, Punnamathota, Opp; TTD Kalyanamadapam,
Vijayawada – 520010, Andhra Pradesh
Important Official Links
Additional Notes
This empanelment process will be re-evaluated every two years, and existing Stringers will be subjected to the same assessment process. Continuous performance, adherence to guidelines, and timely coverage are crucial for maintaining the empanelment status.