GECs
Zee de-links from Turner on ad sales, sets up own team
MUMBAI: The agreement between Turner India and the Zee Network, wherein the former handled the ad sales for Zee’s English entertainment channels – Zee English, Zee Movie Zone (ZMZ), MX and Trendz, has ended.
With HBO now moving into the new Turner bouquet from 1 January, 2005, Zee’s English channels will no longer be in the “care” of Turner as far as ad sales is concerned.
As per the deal between the two parties, Turner would work closely with the Zee team to offer creative solutions to advertisers, till Zee set up their own team. Since Zee’s new sales team is now in place, this agreement was terminated as of 30 November.
Speaking on introducing the new sales team, Zee English, ZMZ, MX and Trendz business head Ajay Trigunayat said, “So far, Turner India had accomplished a remarkable growth for Zee English, ZMZ, MX and Trendz. We foresee a strong potential and therefore an internal team is necessary to exponentially grow and multiply the business for the network.”
Turner Entertainment Networks Asia Pacific vice president, regional advertising and licensing sales Soumitra Saha said, “It was a tremendous experience to be associated with the English entertainment channels from Zee Network. We are pleased with our success in providing effective communication solutions for advertisers on the Zee English entertainment channels, and successfully growing the advertiser base and revenues for these channels. These channels have a strong potential to drive the market in their genre. We wish them all the best for their endeavours in future.”
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.
