GECs
“Grey’s Anatomy”, “Ghost Whisperer” and “What About Brain” to air for the first time on terrestrial television Indonesia
Singapore: In an inaugural deal, Buena Vista International Television–Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, announced today an agreement to license a live action series package to Indonesian terrestrial broadcaster JAK-TV, a leading local channel targeting Greater Jakarta’s urban and upscale audience.
For the first time on terrestrial television, viewers will be able to enjoy a selection of BVITV’s hottest series including the No.1 show currently on US television, “Grey’s Anatomy” (seasons 1 and 2), as well as J.J. Abrams’s (creator of “Lost”) “What About Brian” and “Ghost Whisperer”, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. The series’ are expected to launch early next year.
“We are delighted to be bringing for the first time to JAK-TV viewers some of our most talked about series,” commented Steve Macallister, BVITV-AP’s senior vice president and managing director. “This deal reflects our commitment to expanding the reach of our programming into key markets such as Indonesia.”
JAK-TV’s president director, Erick Thohir, added “It is a great honor for JAK-TV to exclusively carry BVITV’s hottest series, since BVITV is known around the world for its high quality and entertaining programming. This is the kind of programming that we are looking for our viewers: the young, smart, and cosmopolitan community such as the Jakarta citizens. It also shows the world that there is trust and cooperation between the two that can be built successfully. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with BVITV.”
Starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh and Emmy-nominee Patrick Dempsey, “Grey’s Anatomy”, has already been sold to over 200 territories worldwide and a consistent timeslot winner in countries like Australia, New Zealand, France and Spain. In New Zealand, “Grey’s Anatomy” is one of the top two series in 2006 (to date) on TV2 for P18-49, behind “Desperate Housewives”, with a rating / share of 18 / 47%.
Licensed to more than 165 territories around the world, “Ghost Whisperer” made its international debut earlier this year on Seven Network Australia as the No.1 program of the night. And the series has been consistently leading its hour in markets such as New Zealand, UK and Germany. “Ghost Whisperer” is one of the top two U.S. series this year to date in Singapore and Malaysia, on Channel 5 and 8TV, respectively.
Although not yet launched internationally, “What About Brian” has already been licensed to over 60 territories across the world.
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.
