Television in Tamil language

The inception of Tamil language small-screen programming began in 1963 in Singapore and the 1980s in India. Initially, broadcasts ran from 7:15 pm to 11:15 pm daily, featuring programs in Singapore's four official languages (Tamil, Malay, Chinese, and English). Tamil programming initially aired on Channel 5 and later also on Channel 8. On 30 March 1973, Channel 8 became the dedicated Tamil-language service, with limited programming, after a decision taken by RTS to streamline the language sof the two channels.{{cite web |date=27 March 1973 |title=NEW TIMES FOR TV SCREENING FROM FRIDAY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19730327-1.2.46?qt=rts,%20%22channel%205%22,%20tamil&q=%22RTS%22%20%22Channel%205%22%20%22Tamil%22 |access-date=14 August 2023 |website=The Straits Times (retrieved from NLB)}} When Channel 8 started on 31 August 1963 with a pilot schedule, it aired the Tamil film Naan Petra Selvam.{{cite news|title=Television Singapura The Straits Times|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19630831-1.2.109.1?ST=1&AT=filter&DF=&DT=&AO=true&NPT=&L=&CTA=&NID=&CT=&WC=&YR=&SortBy=Oldest&k=%22programme+summary%22%26ka%3d%22programme+summary%22&P=183&Display=0&filterS=0&QT=%22programmesummary%22&oref=article|access-date=29 July 2020|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=31 August 1963}} In India, there was only one national channel, the government-owned Doordarshan, which commenced broadcasting programs in Indian languages in the 1980s. Dubbing of Hindi series to Tamil became mandatory at DD Chennai in 1985.Southern Comfort, TV and Video World, September 1985

The 2000s marked the golden era for the Tamil language television industry, witnessing phenomenal growth in every dimension.

{{Main|List of Tamil-language television channels in India}}

The first Tamil television channels, Sun TV and DD Podhigai,{{cite web |url=https://www.ddpodhigai.org.in/index.php/wings-2/about-the-kendra.html |title=About the Kendra |access-date=6 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106204239/https://www.ddpodhigai.org.in/index.php/wings-2/about-the-kendra.html |archive-date=6 January 2019 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/CPC |title=Regional Language Satellite Service |access-date=2011-07-10 |publisher=Doordarshan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622215640/http://ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/CPC |archive-date=22 June 2011 }} were launched on April 14, 1993, in India. Businessman Kalanithi Maran established the first Tamil language TV station, Sun TV, which commenced broadcasting on April 14, 1993,{{cite web|last=Menon|first=Jaya|title=Karunanidhi wife pulls out stake in Sun TV|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/storyOld.php?storyId=81585|work=The Indian Express|date=8 November 2005}}{{cite web|url=http://ia.rediff.com/money/2006/apr/28spec.htm |title=Rediff India Abroad, April 28, 2006 – Kalanithi Maran: A 'Sunshine' story, by Sanjiv Shankaran and S. Bridget Leena in New Delhi |work=Rediff.com |access-date=24 January 2012}} initially offering four-and-a-half hours of programming per day under a time-sharing agreement with ATN. However, in January 1997, it transitioned to a 24-hour programming channel. The Sun TV Network recently launched a DTH service, making its channels available in several countries outside India.{{fact|date=December 2023}}

On October 14, 1994, Raj TV{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/raj-television-network-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-15767.cms|title=The Economic Times|work=indiatimes.com}} was launched by Rajendran and became the second most popular channel in Tamil in the early 2000s. The same year, another channel called Golden Eagle Communication was launched by N. P. V. Ramasamy Udayar,{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/from-booze-to-news/200528|title=From Booze To News|website=Outlook India}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/news_analysis/newsletter/091198/utv91198.htm|title=Why UTV bought Vijay TV|work=Indian Television}} which was later acquired by Star India in 2001. Star India took over the channel and rebranded it as Star Vijay.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/brand-equity/entertainment/star-india-buys-out-utvs-stake-in-vijay-tv/articleshow/808761.cms|title=Star India buys out UTV's stake in Vijay TV|website=The Economic Times}}

On August 22, 1999, Jaya TV was launched in honor of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J. Jayalalithaa.{{fact|date=December 2023}}

The most recent channels and networks in the Tamil-based Indian broadcasting industry include Jaya TV, Kalaignar TV,{{cite web|url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/25343_kalaignar-tv-set-to-attract-viewers-with-new-launches|title=Kalaignar TV set to attract viewers with new launches|website=www.afaqs.com|date=29 Oct 2009|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tv-series-on-dmk-patriarch-karunanidhi-s-life-from-nov-2/story-y4d8JODnVkLkKBQqPr6jRP.html|title=TV series on DMK patriarch Karunanidhi's life from Nov 2|website=www.hindustantimes.com|date=31 Oct 2019 |language=en}} Zee Tamil,{{cite web|title=Zee launches Tamil channel|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/zee-launches-tamil-channel/372401|work=financialexpress.com|date=12 October 2008 |access-date=22 April 2014}} Polimer TV,{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/The-battle-for-original-Tamil-TV-content/articleshow/53735461.cms|title=The battle for original Tamil TV content|newspaper=The Times of India|date=17 August 2016|access-date=7 August 2020}} Colors Tamil,{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/viacom18-enters-tamil-market-with-launch-of-colors-tamil-ropes-in-actor-arya-as-brand-ambassador/articleshow/62852267.cms|title=Viacom18 enters Tamil market with launch of Colors Tamil|date=2018-02-09|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-02-21}} Vendhar TV,{{cite web|url=https://cinema.dinamalar.com/tamil-tv-serials/21309/Chinna-thirai-Television-News/Vendhar-T.V-begins.htm|title=Vendhar TV begins|date=25 August 2014 |publisher=Dinamalar}} Makkal TV and Puthuyugam TV.{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/Puthuyugam-spruces-up-prime-time/articleshow/49044861.cms | title=Puthuyugam spruces up prime time | work=The Times of India | date=21 September 2015 | access-date=8 October 2015}} Currently, the major four cable general entertainment channels that dominate the TRP rivalry are Sun TV, Star Vijay, Zee Tamil, Kalaignar TV, and Colors Tamil.{{fact|date=December 2023}}

Singapore Television Twelve split the former Channel 12 on September 1, 1995, with the existing channel being replaced by Prime 12, including Tamil-language programming on its schedule. The first Singapore Tamils channel, Vasantham Central, was launched on January 30, 2000. It was founded and is owned by MediaCorp. On October 19, 2008, Vasantham Central was relaunched as Vasantham.{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alicia |title=Dedicated Indian and kids TV channels |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/today20080301-1.2.6.1 |website=Today (retrieved from NLB) |access-date=24 March 2020 |date=1 March 2008}}

{{Main|Lists of Tamil-language media in Malaysia}}

The first Tamil Malaysians channel was Astro Vaanavil.{{cite journal |last1=Sankaran |first1=Chitra |last2=Pillai |first2=Shanthini |year=2011 |title=Transnational Tamil television and diasporic imaginings |journal=International Journal of Cultural Studies |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=277–289 |doi=10.1177/1367877910391867|s2cid=145197401 }} It was launched on June 1, 1996, and created by Astro. The second general entertainment channel was Astro Vinmeen HD. It was launched on October 18, 2013. The channel is co-owned by Southeast Asia's second richest man, Ananda Krishnan, and Astro Malaysia Holdings.{{Cite web |title=Singtel TV : Channels & On Demand : Channels : CH626 Astro Vinmeen HD |url=http://www.singteltv.com.sg/channels-on-demand_channels_details.asp?ch=626 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012124039/http://www.singteltv.com.sg/channels-on-demand_channels_details.asp?ch=626 |archive-date=2015-10-12}}{{cite web|url=http://www.onscreenasia.com/article/astro-debuts-s-e-a-first-24-hour-tamil-hd-channel/13144 |title=Astro debuts S.E.A.'s first 24-hour Tamil HD channel | OnScreenAsia.com |access-date=2015-11-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122113609/http://www.onscreenasia.com/article/astro-debuts-s-e-a-first-24-hour-tamil-hd-channel/13144 |archive-date=22 November 2015 |df=dmy }}

Astro Vellithirai also launched on 16 April 2007 and is special for Tamil movie fans.

The Sri Lankan Tamils channel emerged in the early 2000s. On October 20, 1998, Shakthi TV was launched by Capital Maharaja.{{cite web|title=Shakthi TV|url=https://www.dialog.lk/television-channel-shakthi/|website=Dialog|access-date=19 August 2015}} It quickly became the most popular channel in Sri Lanka.

The first France-based Tamil language satellite television channel, Tamil Television Network, was launched in June 1997. Its main audience was Sri Lankan Tamils living in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.unesco.org/courier/2000_02/uk/dossier/txt14.htm |title=Sri Lankan expats find a guardian angel |last=Anbarasan |first=Ethirajan |date=February 2000 |publisher=UNESCO Courier |accessdate=20 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517022052/http://www.unesco.org/courier/2000_02/uk/dossier/txt14.htm |archivedate=May 17, 2008 }} It was the first Tamil-language TV station outside India. The channel ceased broadcasting on May 2, 2007, when Globecast stopped relaying the channel.{{cite news|url=http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=22047|title=France suspends TTN broadcast|date=2 May 2007|publisher=TamilNet|accessdate=20 December 2009}}

The first Canadian-based Tamil language channel, Tamil One, was launched on September 6, 2001. Its main audience comprised Sri Lankan Tamils. The second entertainment channel, Tamil Vision International, based in Toronto, Ontario, was launched on September 7, 2001. It stands as the largest Tamil media outlet in North America.

The third entertainment channel, Tamil Entertainment Television, was officially launched on December 13, 2012, on Bell Fibe TV. It holds the distinction of being the first 24-hour Tamil channel in North America to broadcast in HD.

IBC Tamil Television was launched in April 2015 at a ceremonial event in London.{{cite web|url=http://www.asiantelevision.com/channel/atn-ibc-tamil|title=Asian Television Network – Canada – Multicultural – South Asian TV – ATN IBC Tamil|website=Asiantelevision.com|access-date=16 December 2017}} It became the second Tamil channel in the United Kingdom after Deepam TV. The channel was inaugurated with over 1500 people in attendance. Deepam TV had been launched in June 2000 and broadcasts round the clock from its studios in Hayes.

In 2015, the company announced an investment of £2 million in state-of-the-art digital studio equipment. As a result, the channel now produces nearly all its video content in HD through its studios in the UK, India, and Sri Lanka.

The first Australian-Tamil television channel, Sigaram TV, was launched in the early 2000s. However, in September 2006, due to bankruptcy, Sigaram TV ceased operations, and its existing subscribers were acquired by Tharisanam TV.{{cite web|url=http://www.tamilsydney.com/content/view/156/37/|title=Tharisanam TV Channel 1 Commences on THAI PONGAL DAY in Australia and Newzealand |date=12 December 2006 |publisher=Tamil Sydney|accessdate=22 December 2009}} In Europe, for a brief period in mid-2008, Tharisanam TV changed its name to Thendral TV due to a change in management.{{cite web|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/11890|title=Breaking News: The LTTE TV Tharishanam goes off the air from today onwards|date=22 June 2008|publisher=Asian Tribune|accessdate=22 December 2009}} However, in Australia, the channel continued to operate as Tharisanam TV.

In October 2008, the channel rebranded as Global Tamil Vision.{{cite web|url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/tvlicensing/tvupdates/monthly/200810 |title=Television Broadcast Licensing Update October 2008 |work=Licensing updates |publisher=Ofcom |accessdate=19 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502082124/http://ofcom.org.uk/tv/ifi/tvlicensing/tvupdates/monthly/200810 |archivedate=May 2, 2009 }} Today, Global Tamil Vision stands as one of the largest Tamil TV networks in the world.

Online video streaming, also known as Over-the-top (OTT) services like Hotstar, Sun NXT, ZEE5, Amazon Prime Video, Mediacorp, MX Player, and others, gained popularity among Tamil people after 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This trend posed a threat to the Tamil television drama industry.{{Cite journal|last1=Puthiyakath|first1=Hashim Hamza|last2=Goswami|first2=Manash Pratim|date=2021-05-06|title=Is Over the Top Video Platform the Game Changer over Traditional TV Channels in India? A Niche Analysis|url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1326365X211009639|journal=Asia Pacific Media Educator|volume=31 |language=en|pages=133–150|doi=10.1177/1326365X211009639|s2cid=235405617 |issn=1326-365X}}

• List of Tamil-language television channels in India
• List of Tamil-language television channels
• Tamil television drama

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Tamil Television}}

{{Television in India}}

{{Tamil-language media}}

{{Television in Asia}}

Category:Tamil-language Entertainment

Television