GECs
CABLEready to manage international sales of NYT TV’s medical reality series
MUMBAI: New York Times Television, the television production unit for The New York Times, has chosen program distributor CABLEready to handle international sales for seven medical reality series produced for TLC and Discovery Health in the United States.
The agreement – the second largest in CABLEready’s history – includes 195 hour-long episodes from such series as Trauma: Life in the E.R. and Maternity Ward, which ran for seven seasons and five seasons respectively on TLC, and First Days, now in production for a 2005 premiere on Discovery Health, states an official release.
“New York Times Television has perfected the art of medical ‘verite’ television production with these series that are interesting and dramatic provide viewers with vital health-related information,” said CABLEready CEO and president Gary Lico. “With medical care a key concern worldwide, we expect a great response from programmers when we introduce The Times shows at MIPCOM in October.”
“CABLEready’s excellent track record and aggressive positioning of major US series internationally make them logical choice to expand the worldwide presence of our medical ‘vérité’ programming,” added New York Times Television senior VP Christian Gwinn.
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.
