Tharisanam TV explained

Tharisanam TV
Launch Date:	January 2007
Closed Date:	22 June 2008
Owner:	Synergy Media Group
Country:	Australia
Language:	Tamil
Area:	Europe, Australasia, Middle East, North Africa

Tharisanam TV was a Tamil language satellite television channel. Its main audience were Sri Lankan Tamils living in Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

Launch

Tharisanam TV was initially launched on Thai Pongal day in January 2007 in Australasia, broadcasting via the Optus B3 satellite.^[1] The channel started broadcasting in Europe, Middle East and North Africa via the Eutelsat's Hot Bird satellite on 21 May 2007.^{[2] [3]} Initially the channel broadcast programmes from Makkal TV, a Tamil Nadu satellite channel.^[4]

Closure

Tharisanam's link to the Hotbird satellite was via an Israeli Satellite link company. The Sri Lankan government complained to the Israeli government because of Tharisanam's alleged links to the Tamil Tigers. The Israeli government exerted political pressure on the satlink company. Tharisanam ceased broadcasting on 22 June 2008 when the satlink company ceased relaying the channel.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Tharisanam TV Channel 1 Commences on THAI PONGAL DAY in Australia and Newzealand . 12 December 2006 . Tamil Sydney. 22 December 2009.
2. Web site: Tharisanam Tamil TV expands Telecast to Europe, Tamil Diaspora to benefit . 24 May 2007 . Tamil Sydney. 22 December 2009.
3. Web site: British MP Andy Love opens UK office of LTTE-TV "Tharisanam". 12 June 2007. Asian Tribune. 22 December 2009.
4. Web site: Makkal TV clarifies it is not related to PMK, says tie up with Tharisanam is a distribution arrangement. 23 May 2007. Asian Tribune. 22 December 2009.
5. Web site: Breaking News: The LTTE TV Tharishanam goes off the air from today onwards. 22 June 2008. Asian Tribune. 22 December 2009.