GECs
Barry Frey joins Hallmark as MD, global ad sales
Barry Frey has been named senior vice-president, managing director, global advertising sales for Hallmark Channel, international edition of the Hallmark Channel, according to a company release.
The announcement was made by Andy Brilliant, executive vice president, sales and marketing and deputy CEO for Crown Media International, Inc. and Hallmark Channel. The appointment was effective May 1 and Frey will be based in New York, reporting directly to Brilliant.
“Barry is a results-oriented innovator whose knowledge and experience in the global television marketplace are invaluable,” Brilliant commented. “His management and leadership skills will especially aid us during our continued expansion into new territories.”
Frey will be responsible for all international advertising efforts worldwide and managing the company’s advertising sales operation for Hallmark Channel. In addition to building the channel’s client base in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Frey will also focus on the development of new national sales opportunities within those regions.
Frey earlier served as senior vice-president global sales and marketing at SPACE.com. He has also had stints in senior positions with the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he headed the division that managed and marketed the integrated media properties for the NBA, WNBA and USA Basketball; USA Networks Inc. and MCA Broadcasting.
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.
