GECs
Star appoints Ross Crowley as senior VP programming
MUMBAI: Star today announced the appointment of Ross Crowley as senior vice president programming. Crowley will be reporting to Star COO Steve Askew.
Crowley will have direct responsibility for Star World and Star Movies. He will also work with the local programming teams in strengthening the companys content development.
A media veteran with over 15 years of experience in the industry, Crowley joins from Foxtel in Australia where he was head of programming, responsible for programming strategy and channel operations across the companys owned and operated channels. Prior to Foxtel, Crowley worked for Nine Network Australia.
Commenting on the appointment, Askew said, “Bringing great content to viewers region-wide is Stars top priority. Ross, with his proven credentials and ability to deliver results, will be a tremendous addition to our team. I have no doubt he will bring a new dimension to our programming development, helping us to further enhance the quality and diversity of our offerings throughout the region.”
“I’m excited to be joining Star, Asias leading broadcaster, and in particular, having the opportunity to work with its talented team. Adding to Star’s programming strengths, as the company grows in the region, is one of the challenges I look forward to,” said Crowley.
Crowley holds a Bachelors degree in Management Studies from Waikato University in New Zealand.
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.
