GECs
Cabinet tunes in to radio FM
NEW DELHI: In what might be I&B minister Jaipal Reddys swan song— political buzz, says he, may be shunted back to the Congress Party in a ministerial reshuffle — his ministry is attempting to push through a slew of policy related papers for his colleagues okay.
A cabinet note on FM radio broadcast policy has already been sent to the Union Cabinet.
According to a senior official of the information and broadcasting ministry, the note on FM radio broadcast policy for Cabinets consideration has been sent few days back to the Cabinet Secretariat for listing on the agenda
The official added that the ministry is poised to complete formalities for a similar note on the amendments it would like to be introduced in the existing uplink guidelines.
However, the official refused to spell out the details.
Still, information collated from various sources indicate that the existing uplink policy is likely to see some major amendments, which include allowing TV channels and teleports to uplink to KU-band transponders.
Presently, the guidelines state that a channel/teleport allowed to uplink from India shall not carry out the uplinking in any other band except C-band.
A hike in the licencing fee too has been proposed to Rs 500,000 (approximately $ 12,000), which, as per global standards, is still considered to be on the lower side.
In what could be construed an attempt on the part of the government to discourage non-serious players from crowding the ministries for uplink-related clearances, it has been mooted by the I&B ministry that a permission once given would be valid for just 12 months.
The government would cancel the uplink permission of a company that does not operationalises its services within one year from getting the uplink nod.
Doordarshans interest too has been safeguarded under the revised uplink norms and the pubcaster would have access to terrestrial feed of all sporting events being played in India, irrespective of the fact who owns the telecast rights.
As far as the FM radio broadcast policy is concerned, the I&B ministry has supported a revenue share model of between 4-5 per cent, while suggesting a complex migration formula for the existing private sector FM radio players and allowing some foreign investment in radio ventures.
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.
