GECs
Copyright case: Sun TV restrained from using Sony music recording
MUMBAI: The Madras High Court has passed a landmark judgement wherein Sun TV, which was found using a number of Sony Music songs without approval, have been restrained from using copyrighted work with immediate effect.
This judgement was passed by Justice K Kalyanasundaram after the global music giant challenged the leading Chennai-based television network.
This important order validates the rights that have been given to creators and owners, and will go a long way to ensure a fair economic balance between the creative community and the larger broadcast and internet organisations.
Approvals from music rights owners are mandatory before using (synchronisation) songs with new visuals. The music could be existing songs, versions or underlying works. TV broadcasters, advertisers, film producers and internet companies, who use existing music, will now need to seek prior permission from copyright-owners before communicating to the public including broadcasters.
This decision will help the music and film industry as authors, composers and labels shall be entitled to claim their rightful share.
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.
