GECs
Alpha Marathi poll puts development issue on top
MUMBAI: According to an opinion poll conducted by Alpha Marathi, Zee Network’s regional channel, in association with Taleem Research Foundation, about 79 per cent voters in the State feel that development is one of the important issues in forthcoming elections in Maharashtra, followed by 73 per cent who feel unemployment is also an important issue.
The voters were asked to give their opinion on whether the seven issues listed in the questionnaire were important for the coming assembly elections. The poll was conducted in 36 assembly constituencies and about 3,590 voters were interviewed for the poll.
The rank order of important socio-economic and political issues in the forthcoming election mentioned by the voters is problems of development (78.9%), unemployment (72.8%), good governance (72.1%), suicide of farmers (64.8%) and starvation in the State (61.7%). The low priority issues include separation of Vidarbha State (25.8 %) and menace of terrorism in Maharashtra (33.8%).
Speaking on the announcement of the results, Alpha Marathi business head Nitin Vaidya said, “Alpha Marathi is a channel that prides itself on being in sync with the common people and his needs, we decided to undertake this opinion poll with the prime objective of getting to know the main issues which the electorate wants to be addressed. Whether the voters are inclined towards INC/ NCP ruling party and the likelihood of their returning them to power or to BJP/ Shiv Sena alliance.”
One assembly constituency from each district was randomly selected to ensure proper estimation. In addition, one more assembly constituency from Greater Mumbai has been added to have a better representation of the urban voters. Care was also taken to ensure that the selected sample of 36 assembly constituencies had proportional representation of each political party that constituted 1999 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, according to the release.
The poll will be conducted in three phases: pre- campaign, once the campaigning begins and finally right before the actual voting take place.
The complete outcome of the first phase of the opinion poll was telecast on Alpha Marathi TV on Saturday, 4 September, 2004 in a special hour-long programme JanadeshS with a repeat telecast on Sunday, 5 September, 2004.
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.
