GECs
Sushma Swaraj opens for business
Sushma Swaraj does not cease to surprise you. The first statement she made after taking over as I&B minister was that she wanted TV to be programmed for the family, and vulgarity in programmes should be curbed. She reiterated this at the launch of Zed TV in Mumbai a fortnight later.
Yesterday speaking at the Economic Editors’ Conference in New Delhi, she let loose a cannon. She told the scribes that the government was relooking foreign investment in print media – something which has been a sacred cow for every government in power – not to be touched, not to be relooked at since a cabinet decision was taken in 1955 to close the doors on foreign investment in publishing. Even her predecessor Arun Jaitley who is seen as more of a liberal had said the sacred cow will not be touched
“The scenario has changed with the arrival of the Internet,” she told the hacks. “That is why we are reconsidering it.”
She additionally told the journos that the group of ministers of DTH had almost finished their deliberations and a draft was ready. A decision of opening it up would be taken up in the next 10-15 days. Whether these are just empty promises or not only time will tell. Previous I&B ministers have made similar proclaimations only not to meet their commitments because of the various pulls and pressures.
She added that while a common regulator is needed for the information technology, communications and information and broadcasting ministries, there is no need to merge the three ministries into one. This would mean that she is headed for a clash with the Fali Nariman commmittee recommendation which is believed to have recommended that the three ministries be merged.
Another major development yesterday was the announcement that the entertainment sector (including films) had been notified as an industry, thus making it eligible to get loans from financial institutions.
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.
