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 The Regional Languages Satellite channels have two components
- The Regional service for the particular state relayed by all
terrestrial transmitters in the state and additional programmes in
the Regional Language in prime time and non-prime time available
only through cable operators. All Doordarshan Kendras generate
programmes in their respective regional languages. The Regional
Language Satellite Services and Regional State Networks broadcast a
wide spectrum of programmes covering various issues like
developmental news, serials, documentaries, news and current affairs
programmes to communicate with the people in their own language.
Programmes in regional languages are available in the respective
states, terrestrially during the regional window of DD National and
round the clock on the Regional Language Satellite Channels across
the country.
The regional channels of DD are of great
importance. These should be considered the primary channel in their
respective State. The need, demand and even the commercial potential
of regional-language channels is obvious from the number of such
private commercial channels that are now operating; including, many
in Tamil
alone. Doordarshan has utilized the terrestrial network, which could
have provided local programming, to relay programming in a language
not easily comprehended by the bulk of the audience. The result is
that private channels, in the regional languages, in spite of being
satellite and cable channels, have appropriated the bulk of the
audience in almost all regional languages; as also a major portion
of the advertising revenue. More importantly, the audience has been
deprived of quality programming in the relevant languages by DD.
DD North East
DD North East Channel is a
composite satellite television service for the North Eastern states
of India broadcasting programmes in Assamese, English
and other languages and dialects of the North East region. The
programmes are a mix including entertainment programmes, informative
programmes, social programmes, news and current affairs, art and
culture. The programmes are produced at Doordarshan studios in
Guwahati, Agartala, Kohima, Imphal, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Tura,
Aizawl, Itanagar and Shillong.
DD Oriya
DD Oriya is a leading round the clock satellite channel
broadcasting in Oriya
language. It was launched in 1994. DD Oriya broadcasts serials,
cultural programmes, infotainment programmes, news and current
affairs etc. Most of its programmes are produced at Doordarshan
Kendras of Bhubaneshwar, Sambalpur and Bhawanipatna.
While the weekly transmission hours for the terrestrial channel with
satellite support is 37 hours and 30 min, for the satellite
(DD-6-Oriya) it is 168 hours. DD-6 programmes are mostly related to Oriya
films, folk
dance, music, and
other cultural programmes only besides regional news. DD Oriya grabs
about 29% of the Total Market share in India. It reaches to almost
23% of the total population in India.
DD Podhigai
DD Podhigai is the Tamil
language channel launched in 1993. This channel has a huge
viewership as Tamil films
shown on DD Podhigai attract a large number of viewers within as
well as outside Tamil Nadu.
Serials, films, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs
are the prominent programme genres broadcasted at this channel. DD -
Podhigai is the only regional language satellite channel that has
eight hours of terrestrial transmission. In the terrestrial mode,
from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., DD Podhigai reaches 94% population of Tamil
Nadu. The channel originates its programmes in Chennai.
This channel is so popular that The Doordarshan
Kendra, Chennai also introduced an award known as the `Podhigai
Awards` for recognising contributions of people in different fields,
including art and sport. Podhigai awards were for excellence in the
fields of literature, science, folk arts, theatre, sports and social
service. The first set of awards shall be presented on the occasion
of Pongal 2007.
All the films shown on this channel are
dubbed in Tamil. Doordarshan`s Podhigai channel, is also telecasting
some of the world`s best English films in its programme,
`World Classics` every Saturday at 2.40 p.m. Till now, the films
that have gone on air include - Sergei Eienstains` "Battleship of
Potemkin", Orson Well`s "Citizen Kane", Satyajit Ray`s "Charulatha",
Charles Chaplin`s "Modern Times", Akira Kurusowa`s classic,
"Madadyao" and Alfred Hitchcock`s "39 Steps".
DD Punjabi
DD Punjabi Channel was
launched in 1998, and it became a 24-hour service within two years.
Numerous Punjabi viewers residing in different parts of India watch
the cultural programmes broadcast on DD Punjabi with interest across
the state and by a number of Punjabi viewers residing in different
parts of India. In its terrestrial mode DD Punjabi has near 100 per
cent reach in the State of Punjab. These programmes enlighten the
viewers in cultivating modern social modes. Doordarshan Kendra,
Jalandhar is the hub of DD Punjabi productions.
DD
Sahyadri
DD Sahyadri is the Marathi language channel,
launched in 1994. Supported by Doordarshan studios in Mumbai,
Pune and Nagpur, DD Sahyadri is a household name in
Maharashtra. This is largely because of its programmes with
high production values. Despite stiff competition from private
satellite channels, DD Sahyadri holds its own with acclaimed
serials, informative programmes, public debates and film-based
programmes. Old and new Marathi
films shown on this channel are a favorite among the regular
viewers.
DD Sahyadri runs four news broadcasts. Among its
current affairs content offering, the talk show Maha Charcha is a
long running property. The channel also caters to farmers and the
Sindhi community with development news as the main focus. Sahyadri`s
7 pm bulletin Batmya is also popular in the CS4+ all Maharashtra
market. DD Sahyadri`s programming budgets, in fact, are
comparatively smaller than the rest of the Marathi channels. DD
Sahyadri offers about six to eight event properties a year with the
big ones being the annual DD Awards, Hirkhani Awards
(felicitating women achievers) and the Navaratan Awards. The
channel is under attack from a clutch of private players: Alpha
Marathi, ETV Marathi, Prabhat, and Tara Marathi.
Game shows such as Saap
Shidi, which is a snakes and ladders game with live participation,
Aaj Atta Tabadtob (a phone in quiz) and Chala Banuya Roadpati (a
spoof on Star Plus`s Kaun Banega Crorepati) were introduced. Some of
the other programmes include Sanga Utar Sanga (quiz program), Dum
dama dum (for children along the lines of Sony Entertainment`s
Boogie Woogie), Kala Darpan (based on heritage, culture and music of
tribal and rural folk) Spot light (Marathi film and play
appreciation), Tarangan (five minute snippet on Marathi artistes),
Raag Ek Raag Anek (based on Indian classical music) Padgham (channel
promotions) and Chalta Bolta (a mobile camera team on the move talks
to people in Maharashtra in a quiz format), talk shows like Nati
Goti (a celebrity chat show) and Samora Samor (a personality based
talk show).
Additionally, two news bulletins were introduced
and experts were invited to review an issue for the day in a
30-minute current affairs show at 9:30 pm. Today, DD Sahyadri has a
programming mix consisting of 41 per cent information, 44 per cent
entertainment, seven per cent education and eight per cent other
genres.
DD Saptagiri
DD Saptagiri is the Telugu
language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in
Hyderabad and Vijaywada. Launched in 1993 DD Saptagiri
has entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news &
current affairs, social programmes and film programmes as its major
content. In terrestrial mode, DD Saptagiri is available to 90% of
the population of Andhra Pradesh. DD Saptagiri is a State
owned channel. It is the only channel which takes care of Telugu
Culture and works only on telugu cultural strength. This channel
provides news in telugu along with daily and weekly soaps.
The DD-Saptagiri channel also telecasted a discussion in
vedika programme on "Rashtra Prabhutvamu-Varshikotsava Sameeksha" at
8 p.m on May 15. The programme was organized on the occasion of
completion of one-year rule of the Y.S.Rajashekara Reddy Government.
K.Rosaiah, Minister of Finance, K.Shiva Prasad Rao, former Minister,
and N.Narasimhaiah, MLA, had also participated. DD-Saptagiri also
telecasts a series of quiz programmes on general knowledge.
DD Bangla
DD Bangla is the Bengali
language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in Kolkata,
Shantiniketan and Jalpaiguri, which are small regions
near Kolkata. Launched in 2001 DD Bangla has entertainment serials,
infotainment programmes, news & current affairs, social
programmes and film programmes as its major content. Sopas in
the regional language have also become a craze among the regular
viewers. In terrestrial mode, DD Bangla is available to 97.1 % of
the population of West Bengal. ETV Bangla, Akash Bangla, Alpha
Bangla, DD Bangla and the now phased-out Tara Bangla and numerous
cable channels, this year has already seen plenty of action and lots
more is lined up in the near future.
DD Gujarati
DD Gujarati is the Gujarati
language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in
Ahmedabad and Rajkot. Launched in 1992 DD Gujarati has
entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news & current
affairs, social programmes and film programmes as its major content.
In terrestrial mode, DD Gujarati is available to 84.8% of the
population of Gujarat. Satellite penetration is almost 50% in urban
Gujarat.
DD Chandana
A regional language
satellite channel was launched on 15th August 1991, which became 24
hrs channel on 1st January 2000. This came to be later on christened
as "Chandana", which true to its name has been the true cultural
ambassador of the State. It is the Kannada
language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in
Bangalore and Gulbarga. It has entertainment serials,
infotainment programmes, news & current affairs, social
programmes and film programmes as its major content. In terrestrial
mode, DD Chandana is available to 81.7% of the population of
Karnataka. Today Doordarshan Bangalore covers an area of 76.2 % and
population of 82.4%.
DD Chandana has also telecasted
programmes on promotion of fire safety at home work place, industry
and at community level. Some of the past programs were: Agni
Sanchike weekly T.V. serial programme and Fire Warden Organization,
to provide an opportunity to volunteers to join hands with the Fire
Services in improving fire safety awareness and quick reaction
habits in the community. Chandana channel also telecasted 20
commissioned programs, documentaries and software such as drama,
telefilms and serials during the year 2004.
DD Kashir
DD Kashir is the Kashmiri language satellite channel
supported by Doordarshan studios in Srinagar, Jammu and Leh.
Launched in 2003 DD Kashir has entertainment serials, infotainment
programmes, news & current affairs, social and cultural
programmes and film programmes as its major content. In terrestrial
mode, DD Kashir is available to 96 % of the population of the
valley.
It used to be operated from Delhi but in the year
2006, the Centre decided to shift the operations of Doordarshan`s
`Kashir` channel back to Srinagar from Delhi
after more than 17 years since the outbreak of violence in Kashmir
in late 1980s, thus fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people
of the Valley. DD Kashir also became a 24-hour channel from 15th
August,2000. the channel used to telecast a 14 and half hour
programme daily. Out of these,commissioned programmes account for
six hours, another four and half hours are taken by in-house and
news/current affairs programmes while the archival programmes take
four hours daily. The special audience programmes cover Gojri,
Pahari, Ladakhi, Dogri, Sheena, Balti, Pushtu, Bhadarwahi and
Punjabi audiences.
The channel for which the centre
has allocated Rs.90 crore for one year, has a reach of 20 to 25 km
and does not cover remote villages of the valley which are most
affected by militancy. It therefore fails to counter the massive
anti-India propaganda launched by Pakistan television (PTV)
through its powerful transmitters along the border. The channel
which is non-propagandist and aims at integrating the people of the
state with the rest of the country, cannot be watched by a majority
of the people even within the 25 km radius as power supply remains
cut for almost 12 hours every day.
DD Malayalam
DD Malayalam
is the Malayalam language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan
studios in Thiruvanthapuram and Thrissur. Launched in
1994 DD Malayalam has entertainment serials, infotainment
programmes, news & current affairs, social programmes and film
programmes as its major content. In terrestrial mode, DD Malayalam
is available to 99.2 % of the population of Kerala. It is
also received in 64 countries spread over the continents of Asia,
Africa, Europe, Australia and America. In Kerala DD`s
Malayalam programmes are taken as the benchmark of quality of
content.
Some of the outstanding professionals in the field
of film and TV production have been associated with Doordarshan
Kendra Thiruvananthapuram. The mega serial, Jwalayayi produced by
super star Mammootty, continued for more than 2 years and is
considered by the industry as the super hit Malayalam mega serial.
The second part of Jwalayayi is on air and is already a hit. The
other mega serials are not far behind as per viewership data. DD
Malayalam news Varthakal from its inception in 1985 has become an
addiction for Malayalee viewers for the style of presentation and
clarity of content.
DD State Networks
Both cable
and terrestrial TV`s reception in such places are less than in the
rest of the country. Because of this fact states like Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and
Northeastern states get preference for the DTH service hardware. The
satellite television revolution of the 1990s provided more viewing
choices and greatly expanded the viewership of television in urban
India. But in spite of this almost 81% of the rural population in
our country still cannot afford to buy even a small black and white
television set. The second most populous state of the country Bihar, just one
out of eighteen rural households has managed to buy a television set
but in Punjab, a
majority, actually three out of every five, rural households are
rich enough to buy a television set. Among all the states in the
country rural television ownership is highest in Punjab followed by
its neighbouring states Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
Rural television ownership is low in Uttar Pradesh as
could be expected but in Uttaranchal, a part of undivided
Uttar Pradesh, every third rural household has a television set. In
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan ownership is around the national
average and only in the tribal dominated state of Chattisgarh
it is very much below the average. The very low level of television
ownership is a matter of concern, especially to Prasar Bharati.
There is Near-absence of locally relevant programmes on Doordarshan
in these areas. For example Doordarshan has just two hours of local
programming from Patna (the lowest for a major state
capital). Similarly there is very little of local programming from
Ranchi and Raipur. It is said that Bhojpuri is
the only language understood by the majority of rural people of
Bihar but there is hardly any regular programmes in Bhojpuri on
Doordarshan.
Doordarshan played a pivotal role in generating
awareness in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The efforts of the State
Government were realized in June, 1995 when the Doordarshan Kendra,
Shimla started functioning though partially. Initially its
transmission time was just half an hour per day. The State
Government took up the matter of strengthening the production
facilities in Doordarshan, Shimla and increasing the
transmission time from half an hour to at least 3 hours per day.
About 15 lakh more viewers residing in remote areas of State have
got access to the programmes of DDK, Shimla. The programmes of
Shimla Doordarshan are also available on Satellite 3A. The cable
network Act in Himachal Pradesh that every cable operator in
Himachal Pradesh shall make available the signal of Doordarshan
Shimla through his or her cable networks and ensure to adhere to the
Programme code, Advertisement code etc. the Doordarshan Kendra was
set up in Dehradun, Uttaranchal was set up in the year 2001.
This is the 63rd studio of Doordarshan in the country and it
happens to be the most modern of all the studios. At present there
are 46 DD transmitters functional in Uttaranchal, which covered
around 80% of the people of the State. Doordarshan is also available
in almost all parts of the state of Jharkhand.
Bigger cities of Jaharkhand is served by all television channels
available in India and channels are received through cable. In some
interior regions, channels are received via satellite dishes.
Doordarshan continues to be a favorite channel in many homes in this
age of cable television. Its network has expanded, giving adequate
attention to regional interests. |
