GECs
Govt moots net worth norm for channels
NEW DELHI: The Indian government has mooted a proposal of minimum net worth for all TV channels uplinking from India on the lines of norms prevalent in other industries like banking.
According to the proposal, all news channels uplinking from India should have a declared net worth of approximately Rs. 30 million, while a non-news channel ought to have a net worth of Rs. 15 million.
Though these minimum net worth amounts are “ridiculously low”, according to broadcast industry observers, the government feels it might help in increasing investment from the private sector as also weed out non-serious players.
As per the proposal under consideration of the information and broadcasting ministry, for every subsequent channel from a company the net worth criteria would decrease.
In the news category, additional channels from the same group would have to have a net worth of Rs. 20 million, while in the non-news category a Rs. 10 million net worth would suffice for additional channels.
So, for example, if company X has three news channels in its portfolio, the net worth of the first channel would be Rs. 30 million, while the remaining ones would have to be worth Rs. 20 million. For a three news channel bouquet, it would be Rs. 30 million+Rs. 20 million+Rs 20 million.
These proposals are part of the changes that the government proposes to bring about in the uplinking norms. As part of a proposed downlink policy, similar minimum net worth criteria is being mulled for channels being uplinked from outside and beamed into India.
What is not clear is whether these proposed norms would be applicable on all channels uplinking in C-band or for those doing so in KU-band.
The government proposes to allow KU-band uplinking for all channels and teleports, which, at the moment, is not allowed presently, except in exceptional cases like a traditional DTH service.
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.
