GECs
MTV, CNN to co-produce HIV-Aids news special
MUMBAI: MTV International and CNN International today announced a first-ever co-production agreement for a 30-minute news special on HIV and Aids called Staying Alive: An MTV and CNN News Special.
This special will premiere on MTV globally on World Aids Day – 1 December and on 27 November on CNN International.
This special will be offered rights free and cost free to all broadcasters worldwide to get HIV/Aids prevention messages out to the widest audience possible. In the US, the programme will air as part of MTV’s Fight For Your Rights: Protect Yourself campaign.
In a unique creative approach, local MTV channels and CNN bureaus around the world will work together to jointly produce news segments focusing on how HIV/Aids affects young people in each region.
Segments will be produced featuring local CNN news reporters or MTV VJs in several countries around the world. The special will deal with many different issues related to HIV/Aids, including access to treatment, condom usage, discrimination and rising infection rates, among others. The show will offer viewers the chance to see how the disease touches all people regardless of age, ethnicity, country or socio-economic background.
“This important partnership links MTV’s access to a potential audience of one billion people with CNN’s outstanding journalism, vast reach and credibility among adult audiences,” said MTV Networks International president and UNAIDS ambassador Bill Roedy. As the two largest global television broadcasters, this Staying Alive news special will have unprecedented distribution. I challenge other broadcasters to air this special rights free and at no cost to get crucial HIV/Aids prevention messages out to the largest audience ever this year on World Aids Day and beyond. HIV/Aids is the defining morale issue of our time, and it remains a top priority at MTV to continue to raise awareness and engage others to form their own response to the epidemic.
CNN International senior vice president Rena Golden added, “We are thrilled to be co-producing such an important program geared to provide our joint global audiences with access to vital information that is both relevant and compelling.”
“It has been estimated that 38 million people are currently living with HIV/Aids. We firmly believe that education and democratic dissemination of credible information is the key to fighting this epidemic. I echo the challenge for all global broadcasters to deliver this message through the distribution of Staying Alive. We’re delighted to be working with MTV on this initiative, and hope this represents the beginning of an enduring partnership.”
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.
