DD Saptagiri
 | |
| Type | Broadcast television network |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Availability | India and parts of Asia, China and Gulf Countries. |
| Headquarters | Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Owner | Prasar Bharati |
Launch date | 10 October 1993[1] (as Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad) 27 September 2004 (as Doordarshan Kendra Vijayawada) |
Official website | [1] |
DD Saptagiri, previously known as DD-8, is state-owned Indian television channel operated by Doordarshan, catering to Telugu-speaking audiences in Andhra Pradesh. Originally launched in 1993 as DD-8,[1] the channel was renamed in 2003 after the Saptagiri hills, a cultural landmark associated with the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, DD Saptagiri relocated its operations from Hyderabad to Vijayawada to serve the newly formed Andhra Pradesh, while a separate channel, DD Yadagiri, was introduced for Telangana audiences. DD Saptagiri was formally relaunched from Vijayawada on 27 September 2014.[2]
The channel provides a mix of news, cultural programs, and regional entertainment, targeting the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Available through terrestrial transmission, direct-to-home (DTH) satellite, and cable networks, DD Saptagiri ensures wide accessibility across India and select international locations.[3] It broadcasts via the INSAT-4B satellite and is also accessible on the Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL) network.
History
The channel was originally launched on 10 October 1993 as DD-8 to cater to Telugu-speaking audiences.[1] On 2 April 2003,[4] it was renamed DD Saptagiri,[a] drawing its name from the Saptagiri hills, a significant cultural landmark in Andhra Pradesh associated with the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words "Sapta" (seven) and "Giri" (hill), symbolizing the temple's seven surrounding hills.
Prior to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the channel operated from Hyderabad.[6] Following the creation of Telangana, DD Saptagiri shifted its base to Vijayawada to serve the newly formed Andhra Pradesh, while a new channel, DD Yadagiri, was launched to cater to audiences in Telangana.
Doordarshan Vijayawada, the studio facility associated with DD Saptagiri, had been producing regional content since the 1990s. These programs primarily focused on Coastal Andhra and were previously aired weekly through Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad.
The formal relaunch of DD Saptagiri from Vijayawada on 27 September 2014 was marked by an event attended by then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister of Urban Development, M. Venkaiah Naidu.[2] During the event, Venkaiah Naidu announced the naming of the All India Radio Bhavan in Vijayawada as Pingali Venkayya Bhavan in honor of Pingali Venkayya, the designer of the Indian national flag.[2]
Programming and reach
DD Saptagiri's programming primarily targets the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. The channel broadcasts through terrestrial over-the-air transmission as well as via direct-to-home (DTH) satellite and cable networks, ensuring access across India and some international locations. The channel's content includes news, cultural programs, and regional entertainment.
Transmission and availability
The channel is accessible on various platforms:
Satellite Frequency Details
- INSAT-4B (C-BAND): 93.5°E, Frequency: 4060 MHz (Horizontal), Symbol Rate: 4250
- INSAT-4B (KU-BAND): 93.5°E, Frequency: 11150 MHz (Vertical), Symbol Rate: 27500
APSFL (Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited)
- Channel Number: 064
See also
- All India Radio
- DD Direct Plus
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- List of programs broadcast by DD National
- List of South Asian television channels by country
Notes
- ^ In 1993–94, Doordarshan introduced several channels to cater to Indian regional languages, initially numbered from 1 to 18.[5] These channels were renamed over the years, with most adopting the name of the language they served. However, some channels, such as DD Podhigai, DD Saptagiri, DD Sahyadri, and DD Girnar, were named after prominent hill ranges in the respective states, while DD Chandana was named after sandalwood, a notable product of Karnataka.
References
- ^ a b c "Prasar Bharti Annual Report 2009-10" (PDF). Prasar Bharati. p. 76.
- ^ a b c "DD Saptagiri channel to be launched today". The Hindu. 26 September 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Doordarshan Kendra Vijayawada". DD Free Dish. Archived from the original on 27 September 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
- ^ "Kendra's Origin". Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad. Archived from the original on 6 November 2011. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ Thomas, Amos Owen (3 October 2005). Imagi-Nations and Borderless Television: Media, Culture and Politics Across Asia. SAGE Publications. pp. 101–102. ISBN 978-0-7619-3395-3.
- ^ "DD to launch separate transmission from Vijaywada post AP bifurcation". Indiantelevision.com. 20 June 2014. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
External links
