GECs
Endemol posts 24% growth in turnover
MUMBAI: Televison format creator and distributor Endemol has announced its results for 2006.
It recorded a turnover of 1,117.4 million euros. This was a 24.1 per cent growth compared to 2005. Organic growth was 20.9 per cent.
Net income attributable to the shareholders was 96.8 million euros which is 8.7 per cent of the turnover. This marks a 17.2 per cent growth compared to 2005.
Earnings per share was 0.77 euros compared to 0.66 euros in 2005. The company says that there was growth in all genres. There was a 22.2 per cent gain in non-scripted, 8.5 per cent growth in scripted and 65.3 per cent rise in digital media. Growth, it says, took place in almost all territories. The standout performers were the UK, US, Italy and Spain.
Endemol CEO Elías Rodríguez-Viña said, “In the last year we have managed to grow in all areas of our business activities, as well as in almost every territory. We are especially pleased with the performance of Deal or No Deal, which has climbed to second place in our Top 10 formats, and which we believe has a very promising future.
” We are also confident about the future prospects of other game shows launched following the success of Dond. For example, 1vs100, a revamped game show from our library, is now being produced in eight countries, and continues to roll out worldwide following successful launches in the US and the U.K.
“Our creative strength and worldwide distribution network are key assets for creating local and global hits, expanding our business and adding value to our company. The acquisition of Endemol France is expected to be earnings enhancing, before acquisition-related amortization, for Endemol from the first year. With Endemol France back into the Group we are looking forward to another year of strong growth in 2007.”
Under expected market circumstances, we forecast to grow organically by 5-7 per cent. Including the reintegration of Endemol France turnover is expected to grow by more than 20 per cent in total in 2007.
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.
