GECs
Cabinet refers downlink policy to GoM
NEW DELHI: After uplink, it’s now time for downlinking a policy for a group of ministers (GoM) that would be headed by defence minister Pranab Mukherjee.
According to information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy, the Cabinet today referred the proposed downlinking policy to the GoM, which is also examining the uplink policy.
Briefing newspersons today after a cabinet meeting, Reddy said the GoM would study the downlink issue too as some issues are common to both the downlink and uplink norms that the government is attempting to put in place.
The draft downlinking policy, prepared by the I&B ministry, requires that channels downlinking content into India from foreign soil must have offices registered in India so that such companies can be made accountable to local laws.
The draft downlink policy also looks at making it mandatory for private channels to share the feed of sports events of national importance, including cricket (or should one say particularly cricket?), with pubcaster Prasar Bharati.
Since the issue of sharing of feed with Prasar Bharati had split the Cabinet, the uplink matter had been referred to the GoM, which has now been constituted.
As if on cue, Doordarshan is trying to flex its muscles vis-a-vis Indian cricket team’s tour of Sri Lanka by asking rights holder Ten Sports to share the live feed on a revenue sharing basis.
The GoM comprises ministers of telecom, finance, I&B, home and law.
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.
