Kids
Disney Star India likely to exit English GEC space
Mumbai: Disney Star India is likely to phase out its English general entertainment channels Star World, Star World HD, and Star World Premiere HD, as per details in its reference interconnection offer (RIO) published on 15 October.
The broadcaster published the tariffs of 78 channels out of which the English GECs were absent. According to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India, the English GECs account for less than one per cent of total TV advertising spends. The fall of English GECs was first sounded when the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) implemented the new tariff regime that required subscribers to select only the TV channels that they actually watched.
The migration of English viewers to OTT platforms and the pandemic that began last year has made the English GEC genre extremely unviable for Indian broadcasters from a business perspective.
A response from the Star network is awaited and we will update this piece if we receive any.
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
