Date
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- 14th Nov 1983
Time
- Time
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The first ever Telugu news bulletin was aired on Doordarshan.
On 14 November 1983, Doordarshan aired its first Telugu news bulletin, presented by Shanti Swaroop, who became recognised as the first Telugu television newsreader.
He read the inaugural bulletin during the evening prime time slot (7 pm), marking the historic beginning of Telugu-language television news in India.
Doordarshan Aired Its First Telugu News Bulletin
On 14 November 1983, Doordarshan aired its first Telugu television news bulletin at 7:00 pm, presented by Shanti Swaroop, who became recognised as the first Telugu television newsreader. The historic broadcast marked the beginning of regular Telugu-language television news on India's public broadcasting network.
The introduction of Telugu television news represented a significant milestone in regional-language journalism and the history of Indian television.
History of the First Telugu News Bulletin
The first Telugu news bulletin was broadcast from Doordarshan Kendra, Hyderabad, on 14 November 1983.
Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad had been inaugurated on 23 October 1977. Its partial colour television transmissions began on 5 January 1983, while the Telugu news service was introduced in November of the same year.
The first bulletin was scheduled for 7:00 pm and presented by Shanti Swaroop.
The inaugural broadcast gave Telugu-speaking television audiences a new medium for receiving news in their native language.
Previously, All India Radio had been an important source of Telugu-language news. The launch of television news added a visual dimension to regional journalism.
Shanti Swaroop – First Telugu Television Newsreader
Shanti Swaroop was an Indian television newsreader and broadcaster who became widely known for presenting the first Telugu news bulletin on Doordarshan.
Before establishing his television career, he had worked with All India Radio in Hyderabad.
His association with Doordarshan began before the introduction of Telugu television news.
On 14 November 1983, he made broadcasting history by presenting the inaugural Telugu news bulletin.
His distinctive presentation style, clear pronunciation, command of the Telugu language, and professional delivery made him a familiar figure among television viewers.
He continued serving Doordarshan for nearly three decades, retiring in 2011.
Shanti Swaroop died on 5 April 2024 in Hyderabad.
First Telugu News Bulletin at 7:00 PM
The inaugural Telugu news bulletin aired at 7:00 pm, an evening broadcasting slot that subsequently became closely associated with Shanti Swaroop.
Television news production during the early 1980s operated with considerably fewer technological facilities than modern broadcasting.
Teleprompters, which allow presenters to read scripts while looking towards the camera, were not available to Shanti Swaroop during the early years.
He became known for memorising news scripts and presenting them directly to viewers without repeatedly consulting written notes.
His ability to deliver the news with clarity and composure helped establish professional standards for Telugu television news presentation.
Doordarshan Hyderabad and the Growth of Telugu Television
Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad played an important role in the development of regional television broadcasting.
The introduction of Telugu-language news in November 1983 strengthened its regional public-service programming.
The station subsequently expanded its technical and broadcasting facilities.
Regular colour transmission began on 6 January 1986, and the station shifted its studios to its own premises in Ramanthapur, Hyderabad, on 27 November 1988.
These developments formed part of the broader expansion of television services in the Telugu-speaking region.
Historical Significance of the First Telugu News Bulletin
The first Telugu news bulletin was an important milestone in the history of regional-language television journalism.
Its significance includes:
- Establishing a regular Telugu-language television news service on Doordarshan.
- Introducing Shanti Swaroop as the first Telugu television newsreader.
- Expanding access to televised regional news in the Telugu language.
- Contributing to the development of television journalism in undivided Andhra Pradesh.
- Establishing an early foundation for subsequent generations of Telugu television news presenters.
The broadcast also demonstrated the growing importance of regional languages in India's public television system.
Legacy of Shanti Swaroop and Telugu Television News
Shanti Swaroop became one of the most recognisable personalities in Telugu television journalism.
His professional discipline, distinctive voice, and command of language helped establish the identity of Doordarshan's Telugu news service.
The first broadcast on 14 November 1983 is remembered as a landmark event in Telugu media history.
It marked the beginning of a new chapter in regional television journalism and remains closely associated with the pioneering contribution of Shanti Swaroop.
References
- Lok Sabha Secretariat – Lok Sabha Debates, 8 May 1984 (Official Confirmation of Telugu News Bulletins Starting on 14 November 1983)
https://eparlib.sansad.in/bitstream/123456789/1924/1/lsd_07_14_08-05-1984.pdf - Prasar Bharati – Annual Report 2011–12 (Doordarshan Kendra Hyderabad Broadcasting History)
https://prasarbharati.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/annual_report/AnnualReport-English-2011-12.pdf - The Times of India – News Presenter, Face of DD Telugu, Shanti Swaroop Passes Away
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/news-presenter-face-of-dd-telugu-shanti-swaroop-passes-away/articleshow/109077267.cms - The New Indian Express – First Telugu Newsreader Passes Away
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2024/Apr/06/first-telugu-newsreader-passes-away - Deccan Chronicle – First Telugu News Reader on TV Shanthi Swaroop Passes Away
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/telugu-news-anchor-santhi-swaroop-dies-in-hyderabad-888469
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