· Chennai
The Tamil biweekly Nakkheeran, founded and edited by Nakkheeran Gopal, published its first issue.
Nakkheeran, a Tamil-language biweekly magazine published in Chennai, brought out its first issue on 20 April 1988. It was founded and is edited by Nakkheeran Gopal. The magazine became known for its investigative journalism.
Thiru. Vi. Ka. launches Navasakthi
Tamil scholar and labour leader Thiru. V. Kalyanasundaram started the Tamil weekly Navasakthi.
The Tamil daily Dinamani published its first edition on 11 September; it later became part of the Indian Express group.
Mani Ratnam's Nayakan released
Mani Ratnam's Nayakan, with Kamal Haasan in the title role, reached cinemas and was later named by Time as one of the greatest films of all time.
Kalanithi Maran launched Sun TV, a Tamil general entertainment channel that grew into the Sun TV Network.
Raj TV, a Tamil general entertainment channel based in Chennai, was launched, adding to the new private satellite channels in the state.
Jaya TV, a Tamil satellite channel founded by AIADMK leader J. Jayalalithaa, was launched in Chennai.