GECs
ETC eyes more international markets
MUMBAI: Europe, South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore are next on the broadcasting calendar of ETC Networks for the current fiscal.
The company expects to add more revenue streams in 2002-03 following etc Punjabi’s entry into the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand markets. The channel, whose USP is live telecast of the Gurbani from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, is also likely to turn into a pay channel shortly, according to the company’s recently released annual report.
ETC Networks, following Zee Telefilms’ taking up a stake in the company earlier this year, showed a decline in total revenues – from Rs 476 million in 2000 -01 to Rs 311.6 million in 2001-02, following the termination of news shows and marketing of South Indian programmes. The decision to discontinue broadcast of news and marketing of regional shows was taken on the grounds that ‘they diluted channel branding, distracted audience attention, depressed TRPs and did not add value’, thus saving the company an estimated Rs 145 million.
The company’s programme library costs declined from Rs 50.1 million in 2000-01 to Rs 39 million in 2001-02 due to a stronger negotiating capability, says the report. ETC’s programme library currently forms 13.75 per cent of its current assets.
While Zee’s involvement in the areas of technology, marketing and distribution is expected to translate into deeper penetration and lower costs in the current fiscal, ETC itself has commissioned its studio and purchased programming equipment, in a bid to cut down on costs.
The switch from analog to digital made in August 2001 has led to savings of Rs 5.5 million per month, the report states. While employee costs declined from Rs 38.6 million to Rs 29.2 million from the previous year, programming and telecast costs also declined from 60 per cent of revenues in 2000-01 to 40 per cent in 2001-02.
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.
