Indian Telugu-language public TV channel
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, 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.
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. 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. On 2 April 2003, it was renamed DD Saptagiri, 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. 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. 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.
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:
References.
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