GECs
Zee gets hyperactive on mobile interaction
MUMBAI: Along with its fresh initiatives in branding and content, Zee Network is betting big on the wireless segment also. The network has aggressive plans to explore the technology to drive interactive viewership.
Zee is bringing rich media content like mobile videos, imageries and polytones to upgrade the standards of its mobility-based interaction with the viewers. The network provides wireless interactive services for a host of shows through the shortcode 7575.
“We are taking a holistic approach to address mobility-based interactivity with our viewers which provide value addition to both the sides,” says Zee Network VP business technology Ishwar Jha.
Zee is also planning to launch a mobile-based interactive service to address public grievances. “People will be able SMS their complaints through 7575 and the network will present it,” says Jha.
Zee is bringing its global viewers also into the the ambit of interactive programming. The network has tied up with wireless applications and content gateway services provider Air2Web in the UK and FCC in the UAE for this purpose. It is presently in search of an associate in the USA.
“We want to get interactive through mobility internationally since Zee has its footprints available across the globe,” says Jha.
Zee recently used Air2Web to enable their viewers in the UK to use their cell phone to vote for their favorite actor, actress, or film, for the recently-held Zee Cine Awards.
Sony’s mobile interactivity, through the short code 2525, gained a lot of mileage from the Indian Idol contest. Out of the 3 million votes generated by the final episode, 1.2 million came in on SMS from viewers’ mobiles. Star, with its short code 7827, has been active in the mobile interactivity front since the last three years. Sumantra Dutta, the former head of Radio City, heads its wireless business development division.
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.
