Indian regional DD channels are those which are transmitted under the Doordarshan network in various regions of the nation. The regional service for the particular state are communicated by all terrestrial transmitters in the state and additional programmes in the local languages in prime time and non-prime time are available only through cable operators. All Doordarshan Kendras generate programmes in their individual regional languages. The regional DD channels in India and regional state networks broadcast a wide spectrum of programmes, thus covering various issues like developmental news, serials, documentaries, news and current affairs programmes to interact with the people in their own language. Programmes in regional languages are available in the respective states, terrestrially, round the clock.
North Indian DD Channels
North Indian audiences are catered by the regional channels, such as, DD Punjabi and DD Kashir. 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 Kashir is the Kashmiri language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan with studios in Srinagar, Jammu and Leh. Launched in 2003 DD Kashir airs entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs, social and cultural programmes and film programmes as its major content. In terrestrial mode, DD Kashir is available to 96 percent of the population of the valley.
Northeast Indian DD Channels
In north eastern India, DD North East Channel is a composite satellite television service for the places like Guwahati, Agartala, Kohima, Imphal, Silchar, Dibrugarh, Tura, Aizwal, Itanagar and Shillong. The mentioned places have individual Doordarshan studios as well. North Eastern states of India broadcasting programmes are featured in languages like Assamese, English and other languages and dialects of the North East region. The programmes include entertainment programmes, informative programmes, social programmes, news and current affairs, art and culture.
East Indian DD Channels
Eastern India is served by DD Bangla and DD Oriya. DD Bangla is the Bengali language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in Kolkata, Shantiniketan and Jalpaiguri and some other places near Kolkata. Launched in 2001 DD Bangla has entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs, social programmes and film programmes as its chief content. Soaps in the regional language have also become a craze among the regular viewers. In terrestrial mode, DD Bangla is viewed by almost 97.1 percent of the population of West Bengal. DD Oriya is a leading round the clock satellite channel broadcasting in Oriya language. Launched in 1994, DD Oriya broadcasts serials, cultural programmes, infotainment programmes, and news and current affairs. 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 associated with Oriya films, folk dance, music, and other cultural programmes only besides regional news.
South Indian DD Channels
South India is served by various regional DD channels like DD Podhigai, DD Saptagiri, DD Sahyadri and DD Chandana. DD Podhigai is the Tamil language channel launched in 1993. This channel has a huge viewership as Tamil films shown on this channel attract a large number of viewers. 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 and reaches 94 percent population of Tamil Nadu. The channel originates its programmes in Chennai. All the films shown on this channel are dubbed in Tamil.
DD Saptagiri is the Telugu language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in Hyderabad and Vijayawada. Launched in 1993 DD Saptagiri has entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs, social programmes and film programmes as its major content. In terrestrial mode, DD Saptagiri is available to 90 percent 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 Kannada audience is entertained by DD Chandana. This regional language satellite channel was launched on 15th August 1991, which became a 24 hours channel on 1st January 2000. This was later renamed as Chandana, which, true to its name, has been the apt cultural ambassador of the state. It is supported by Doordarshan studios in Bengaluru and Gulbarga. It has entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs, social programmes and film programmes as its major content. In terrestrial mode, DD Chandana is available to 81.7 percent of the population of Karnataka. Today Doordarshan Bangalore covers an area of 76.2 percent and population of 82.4 percent.
West Indian DD Channels
DD Sahyadri is the Marathi language channel, launched in 1994. Supported by Doordarshan studios in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, 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 favourite among the regular viewers. 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. DD Malayalam is the Malayalam language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in places like Thiruvanthapuram and Thrissur. Launched in 1994 DD Malayalam broadcasts entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs, social programmes and film programmes as its major content. In terrestrial mode, DD Malayalam reaches to around 99.2 percent 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.
In western India, DD Gujarati and DD Rajasthan are the prominent regional DD channels. DD Gujarati is the Gujarati language satellite channel supported by Doordarshan studios in Ahmedabad and Rajkot. Launched in 1992, DD Gujarati airs entertainment serials, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs, social programmes and film programmes as its major content. In terrestrial mode, DD Gujarati is available to 84.8 percent of the population of Gujarat. Satellite penetration is almost 50 percent in urban Gujarat. DD Rajasthan caters to the spectators of Rajasthan and surrounding areas. This regional channel was launched in the recent past.
The regional DD channels in India are considered to be the primary channels in their respective states. The requirement, demand and even the commercial potential of regional language channels is obvious from the number of such private commercial channels that are now operating. Some of the outstanding professionals in the field of film and TV production have been associated with regional DD channels in India. Some of the serials, soaps and special programmes on these channels have continued for more than 2 years and is considered by the industry as the super hit shows. The status of regional DD channels in India has reached a perpetual and significant state.
