GECs
Distribution head Arun Mohan out of Star
The malaise of executive departures, which has hit other broadcasters such as Sony Entertainment, and Zee TV, seems to have made it to Star India’s doors too. Executive vice-president Arun Mohan, who had been in charge of the network’s distribution in India for eight-odd years, has put in his papers.
Star, it appeared had been immune to any management shake up, courtesy the successful run it had been having as the numero uno channel. But the market is abuzz with several rumours relating to Mohan’s departure. Among them: personal reasons and poor performance, and some other unprintable allegations.
Industry sources however deny that poor performance is a charge that can stick as Mohan had apparently been close to achieving the targets he had set.
Star India senior management, which is on a long leave till past New Year, was not available for comment.
The news that Mohan has put in his papers comes at a critical time. Star is currently in the process of putting in place its hiked subscription package for cable operators effectively without a distribution head. According to industry sources, Akhtar Javed, who heads the distribution team in the north, is holding the baton for the present.
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.
