GECs
Max going to the US in October
MUMBAI: Max is steadily planning expansion overseas with its international channel, which is all set to launch in the US in October.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Sony CFO and Max business head NP Singh said, “We launched Max international in July. As of now we available in the Middle East on Pehla. Our next stop is the US. We are talking with different parties regarding carriage. We are currently testing in Europe and hope to launch in the third quarter.”
Singh added that while Max was looking at Africa as well a timeline for that launch has not been decided. “Australia and New Zealand are still some time away for us. For Hindi general entertainment and movie channels the strong markets are the Middle East, US, UK and Africa. In Asia they are Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia.”
As far as challenges involved in distributing Max abroad are concerned Singh added that the first challenge is to make sure that the channel is available across all the international territories. “That is where our focus rests at the moment. You have to meet competition in every market that you get into. That is not something, which worries us.”
Singh noted with surprise that Israel was an emerging market for Indian channels and that China and Japan were also coming up. “Maybe Indian channels in their entirety cannot go into those markets yet as 24-hour channels due to capacity constraints. However many of those broadcasters are seeking Indian product for their networks.”
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.
