Hyderabad: August 27, 1995, marked the beginning of a new era in the history of television, as it was on this day that Eenadu Television made its debut.
On the day of the opening, Ramoji group of companies chairman Ramoji Rao, had promised that ETV would be the "address of healthy entertainment." From that day onward, the course of Telugu entertainment changed. ETV introduced new technology that was never seen before, with many technologists launching broadcasts with the highest standards.
Since the advent of ETV, Telugu cable TV connections have grown exponentially. Cities, towns, and villages, ETV gained prominence across the entire spectrum. A competent executive team led by Managing Director Suman has made ETV popular throughout.
ETV, the first 24-hour satellite channel in Telugu, has become an innovative platform for many new experiments. During a time when people used to wait for an entire week just to view six movie songs, ETV aired a movie every day.
During the days when reality shows for music lovers were unknown to the southern audience, ETV launched the first-ever 'Paduta Theeyaga' program under the leadership of SP Balasubrahmanyam and immersed music fans in ecstasy.
Read: ETV Bharat bags South Asian Digital Media Award for 'Best Digital News Start-up'
The audience's favourite
Over the years, ETV also strongly cemented its place among the audiences, with an array of series starring famous celebrities along with strong storylines.
Padmavyuham, Santhi Nivasam, Anthahpuram, Attarintiki Daredi, Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu - were a few of the several TV programmes that established themselves as the people's favourite.
Apart from the fictional series, quizzes for children, game shows for young people, and other fun activities for married couples - all rained down happiness on the audiences.
Another special series that became a mandatory morning affair for people was Annadata. ETV's Annadata provided important information that gave invaluable assistance to farmers who sweated it out to feed the nation.
Read: PM Modi hails ETV Bharat's peace tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
Promoting Telugu
Apart from these programmes, ETV News has become the heartbeat of Telugu people, with its impartial and honest presentation of all the important happenings. ETV's commentary, analysis, real-life stories, as well as regional, national, and international news are keenly followed by the people.
Jayasudha, Roja, Ali, Balachander, Rajamouli, Krish, Prabhu Deva, Shankar Mahadevan, Jhansi, Anasuya, Rashmi, Pradeep - the list of star names involved with ETV shows is just endless.
New venture for children
"In order to provide science entertainment for children, special channels are coming up with the aim of their intellectual development. Efforts are in full swing to bring 'ETV Balbharat' channels for children in eleven regional languages of the country, including English," said K Bapineedu, CEO, ETV.
Read: Ramoji Rao urges PM Modi to insulate villages in India's fight against COVID-19
The many firsts
At present, the ETV network reaches a whopping number of seven crore viewers every day. At any given moment, about 1.5 crore people watch ETV channels.
On January 18, 2000, ETV had become the first private satellite television channel to set up its own earth station in the country.
Further, ETV provided Telugu people with the greatest spiritual experience possible, by broadcasting the Venkateswara Brahmotsavam, held in Tirumala in October 1995 - a first. People even worshipped by offering coconuts in front of their TV sets in spiritual ecstasy.
ETV has also been instrumental in keeping up to date with the latest technology, being the first channel in the country to use 'Betacom' cameras.
Read: Ramoji Group sponsored houses remain tough despite floods
Capturing the digital space
Apart from television, ETV channels are now also tasting tremendous success on digital platforms. With over 3.6 crore subscribers on YouTube, ETV channels are already booming with over 90 crore views.
Further, ETV has also made its mark with an OTT platform, as it has reached out to the masses in the form of 'ETV Win'. More than one million people have already downloaded the app.
