'Bhakti' is the word at SVBC-TTD

Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC-TTD) of Andhra Pradesh is celebrating its second anniversary this month. The 24-hour religious channel is part of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD); and claims to be the only channel in the state, which is fully owned and operated by the temple authority. The free to air channel is funded by TTD.

Talking to afaqs!, AS Vijaykumar, vice-president, marketing and distribution, SVBC-TTD, says, "The channel, for the last two years, has been propagating Hindu dharma. Through its live programming and other shows, the channel has been delivering spiritual teachings of great Indian sages to devotees.

The channel is also engaged in promoting scientific research on the Vedas, Yagnas, Puranas and other ancient Hindu scriptures.

SCBC-TTD airs three-and-a-half hours of live programming daily, including daily prayers and other important rituals held five times in a day. The live programming includes Kalyanotsavam (12:00 noon-1:00 pm), Dolotsavam (1:00-2:30 pm), Arjita Brahmotsavam (2:30-3:00 pm), Vasantostavam (3:00 -3:30 pm) and Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva (5:00-6:00 pm).

The daily prayers are broadcast to enable devotees to be part of every Seva (ritual), even from the confines of their homes.

The channel also runs three news bulletins a day. On Sunday afternoons, it telecasts devotional movies. Besides, a number of devotional music and dance shows are showcased on SVBC-TTD everyday.

The channel caters to as many as one lakh devotees, who come to Tirumala daily. For travellers' benefit, the temple authorities have placed a giant screen right outside the temple premises.

Sharing details about the brands that advertise with the channel, R Srikanth, head, marketing, SVBC-TTD, says, "The channel gets a lot of advertising from banks, jewellery brands and other retail advertisers." Some of these are Syndicate Bank, Andhra Bank, Jaya Bank, and jewellery brands such as TRP, Lalitha and Nathella. Tamil Nadu Tourism Board is also a big advertiser on the channel.

The 10 second ad-rate on SVBC-TTD is between Rs 700 and Rs 2,000 for prime time, non-prime time and other day parts.

In the last two years, SVBC-TTD won as many as 11 Nandi awards in the TV category. These awards are conferred upon the best and most popular devotional channel by the Andhra Pradesh Government.