News Broadcasting
DD’s DTH service likely by 15 September
BANGALORE: Indian pubcaster Doordarshan is looking at formally commencing its free-to-air (FTA) direct-to-home (DTH) television service from 15 September.
Trail runs are being conducted all over the country, including Bangalore. In Delhi, the DTH service can be experienced in DD headquarters and in the information and broadcasting ministry.
According to a press release issued by Doordarshan, the service is already available on trial basis and has 17 channels of Doordarshan and 10 channels of All India Radio. Another 13 private TV channels and 13 channels of All India Radio will be added to make it a bouquet of 30 TV channels and 20 Radio channels.
Efforst are on to get as many private sector satellite broadcasters also on to the platform, including foreign ones like CNN. BBC World, has already agreed to be part of the service.
According to Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma, the organisation has sought a time from prime minister Manmohan Singh to inauguare the DTH service of 15 September, the day when DD began its first telecast decades back.
For Karnataka, DTH would be available across the state and the DD Bangalore Kendra will provide 1500 free DTH receivers to various centers across 25 districts. 1500 boxes have already been provided to NCEC and CEC centers across the districts and coastalareas for the government sponsored education and adult-literacy programs, informed a release issued by the Bangalore DD Kendra.
The DTH is accessible from NSS6 satellite in KU band. DTH receiving set box comprising of one 60/90/120 cm dish, and a DTH set top box. Lowest dish size can be used around Hyderabad-Karnataka region and 90 cm is available anywhere in Karnataka except coastal area. It is advisable to use 120 cm dish in coastal area where rainfall is heavier than other areas. The DTH service is available in digital mode. Any of the available set top box in the market can be used to receive DD Direct+ DTH service. Other technical details of DD Direct+ is given in enclosed sheet.
DTH boxes are available at a cost range of Rs.2,300 to Rs.3,000 (without CI slot) including the dish antenna. Euro Box and MCBS have CI slots around Rs 3900 to Rs 5000.
Starting this week Bangalore Kendra’s Chandana channel would telecast 20 commissioned programs, documentaries, and software such as drama, telefilms, serials. The Kendra has signed on Kannada writers and film directors for value addition.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
