GECs
For Zee Music, it pays to play Indian
MUMBAI: It’s yeah for Zee Music and nah for the big guns MTV and Channel [V] in Hindi speaking markets. Or so claims Zee Music.
After a boisterous revamp, the thus far struggling Zee sibling, seems to have recovered and how. While the onus of the popularity mainly lies on the aggressive promotions campaign, channel sources claim that the content has given them the much needed push.
According to the data provided by Zee, the channel has picked up pace in the last few weeks. They claim that it is the ‘live’ content that has offered them a new life. In addition to that the ‘Sound of India’ campaign has gone well with the audience. At least with the audience belonging to the C&S 4+ Hindi speaking markets for the weeks 28 March 2004 to 8 May 2004 (week 14- week 19).
The data provided by TAM indicates that there has been a steady growth in channel shares.
Both, the data from TAM and Zee Music’s internal data indicate that the tussle is now between Zee Music and its sibling channel Etc. But the fight ends there. Sibling rivalry is not on the parent company’s agenda. Instead Zee Music looks to take learnings from where Etc has succeeded. For example, since a major TRP driver on Etc has been a concert programmeNaach meri jaan, Zee Music decided to do something similar. Whether it is the decided ‘desi’ look and desi approach that has enticed the Hindi speaking audience or the novelty factor that has hooked on the audience, only time will tell. But for now, it is working well.
And though rivals might question the TG that Zee Music has chosen in its sample, the one-time “nowhere channel” has certainly made them all sit up and take note.
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.
