DD Podhigai is Doordarshan's Tamil language channel. It is broadcast both terrestrially and via satellite.
History
Doordarshan Kendra Chennai's Regional satellite Network, DD-5, was launched on 15 April 1993. This service is viewed in India and some parts of the world. DD-5 took a new identity in Tamil and was renamed DD Podhigai on 15 January 2000. Doordarshan Kendra, Chennai was inaugurated on 15 August 1975.
History of channel name
The name Podhigai was suggested by the viewers themselves. It is named after Podhigai Hills situated in Tirunelveli district. This hill range is part of Western Ghats of Southern India. This hill range is famous for its association with Sage Agastya. Legend has it that Agastya created Tamil in this hill. Thamirabarani River originates here.
Programmes
The channel offers a variety of programmes with films, infotainment programmes, news and current affairs being most prominent. Serial programming was discontinued in 2015. It is the only regional language satellite channel with terrestrial transmission. Terrestrial transmission is limited to major cities in Tamil Nadu.