GECs
And now a interactive version of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’
SINGAPORE: Looks like weaving in interactive elements to popular TV formats for the growing number of digitally savvy audiences is the next trend to keep a show going. The new interactive version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire (KBC in India), a popular format devised by David Briggs, is not just helping the show retain a prime time but even raking in moolah.
At a packed auditorium on Wednesday morning, HTTV France Sales & Marketing director Jean Christopher Jubin said, “The show has had its run in countries like UK, France and Italy for a long time now. But the last three years, the ITV version of the show, with weaved in multi-media elements is what has helped retain the popularity of the show.”
What really is the ITV version of the show? On the digital sets, viewers can participate in the show. Though they can’t really win a million by answering multiple-choice questions but can make at least 1000 Euros per week just sitting at home. The UK ITV version of the show has a multimedia theme version, synchronized version where viewers can respond and interact with the host at the same without disturbing the ongoing game.
When queried on the business proposition and the heavy cost incurred for weaving in the interactive elements, Jubin said, “Audiences either pay for the model or then pay per time (i.e the time they play the game for). The revenue streams are also being generated as a result of a tie-up between broadcasters, producers and operators where you can charge for pay per play.
Currently the ITV version of the popular format has generated more than 2.5 million SMSs on an average per session and can earn up to 3 to 4 euros per person. So, with the digital homes in Europe the revenue will continue to see a upward trend.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
