GECs
Star Gold inches ahead gradually
Classic Hindi movie channel Star Gold, which was launched last month, is gradually clawing its way back into Indian viewers homes, thanks to a push from the Star TV Network distribution team.
According to Star Gold head Raj Nayak, the channel was languishing for a fortnight but now has managed to get about 55 per cent penetration in Delhi and Mumbai, almost 100 per cent penetration in Kanpur and Lucknow, and 85 per cent in Ahmedabad.
“We have got a deal in place with Seven Star. We expect a resolution with InCable soon. Even RPG in Calcutta should get sorted out,” he says. “I’m looking at a penetration of about what Star World has for Star Gold in the next 15 days.”
Three video on wheels (VOW) Vans are expected to go around in 70 towns in Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar over the next week promoting Star Gold. “It’s a channel headed in the right direction,” he says. “We will occupy our rightful place in the cable and satellite television universe.”
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.
