GECs
Discovery US hatches deal with Martha Stewart
MUMBAI: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia ( (MSLO) and Discovery US have announced a multifaceted partnership whereby the upcoming show Martha will rebroadcast on The Learning Channel, which is owned and operated by Discovery.
The companies have also announced that MSLO will develop a 13-part original home improvement series to air on one of Discovery’s 16 US networks. In addition, the partnership includes distribution of selections from the company’s existing library of programming.
Martha, scheduled to launch on 12 September 2005, in more than 96 per cent of the US television market will also air on TLC in the early evening on the same day and date as the syndicated broadcast. Martha will reach nearly 90 million homes on TLC.
The home improvement series will focus on six women in transition. The women, coming off welfare programs, recovering from bankruptcy or getting out of rehab, will be partnered with a mentor from a renovation and design team selected by Martha Stewart Living staff. From shingling a roof to wiring a house for electricity to painting and decorating every room, these women will transform an old house while learning important home building, design and renovation skills that will help each stand on their own and begin the next chapter of their lives. The series will begin production later this year and is scheduled to air next year on a Discovery US network.
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.
