GECs
Current TV aims to let viewers create programmes
MUMBAI: It’s as current as they come. Former US vice-president today launched Current TV, a 24 hour channel, under his Generation Investment Management umbrella in the US. He launched the channel in partnership with US Attorney Joel Hyatt.
At start up it has carriage on DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Comcast – a potential audience of 20 million homes. Its USP: its schedule will have content in the form of pods or clips created by lay consumers and contributed over the internet. The bite-sized video clips will be no more than seven to 10 minutes long and viewers will be able to vote for their favorite amateur video online. The topics which will be covered include: jobs, technology, spirituality and current events. An Internet-like on-screen progress bar will show the clip’s length.
Gore has also tieup up with Google allowing itself to be updated each half-hour on topics that people are searching for on the web. The target audience: 18-34 year olds.
Gore told a US publication: “Until now, the notion of viewer participation has been limited to sending a tape to Americas Funniest Home Videos, calling an interview show, taking part in an instant poll, or voting someone off an island. Were creating a powerful new brand of television that doesnt treat audiences as merely viewers, but as collaborators.
He had earlier taken over a US network called the Newsworld International channel, and repackaged it as Current TV.
While there are some doubting Thomases about the success of the Current TV, considering that Video Blogs, Blogs offer the same service online, Gore says he is confident that the channel will work. For that to happen, Current TV will have to become the currency among audiences.
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.
