GECs
ATF & AFMC to conduct Reed exhibition in December
MUMABI: Asia Television Forum (ATF) and Asia Film Market and Conferences (AFMC) will hold Reed exhibitions from 1 December to 3 December 2004 at Singapore.
ATF& AFMC attract the top buyers from more than 11 key Asian markets including India and China.
The forums have benefitted from the relentless growth of burgeoning Asian economies like India and China, as well as renewed interest in rich, diverse and creative content by the East, informs an official release.
Reed Exhibitions Singapore, vice president, Michelle Lim said, “We have expanded the scope of this year’s event to broaden and deepen the content offered. In addition to buying, selling and distribution activities at the marketplace, Reed Exhibitions has launched the Media Financing Forum, which explores financing and co-production issues, in order to provide a matchmaking platform for independent production companies to meet potential investors.”
Companies participating in the event for the first time include Buena Vista International Television, CBS/ Paramount International Television, Lions Gate Intertainment, NBC Universal and Sony Pictures.
The spokesperson from Buena Vista International Television, Asia Pacific, the distribution arm of Walt Disney Television International, Asia Pacific, commented, “We are excited about participating at the ATF for the first time. We recognise that ATF is a market that has continued to grow from strength to strength in regional and international standing. We are committed to providing the best content and service to our Asian clients and the unique value proposition offered by ATF enables us to accomplish both.”
A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004 to 2008) projects that the spending in Asia/Pacific [to acquire media content] will increase from $13.3 billion to $17.3 billion in the five-year period, growing at a 5.4 percent compound annual rate, informs the media release.
CABLEready USA director of programme marketing and a first-time participant at ATF, Sabrina Sanchez said, “Asia and Pacific Rim are regions where programme sales have flourished in recent years. ATF makes doing business with Asian television companies convenient by bringing together people from the entire region to one place.”
BKN New Media, Managing Director Ben Heng, adds that they believe Asia has been under-served and that the region has great potential.
The new highlights and features at ATF&AFMC, reflecting the current and latest trends in the media industry, have till date brought about a 30 per cent increase in new participants. Some of the country pavilions present at the event include Australia, Canada, China, France, Spain and Singapore.
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.
