GECs
Hathway takes Star to court over dues
MUMBAI: The Rajan Raheja-controlled Hathway Cable & Datacom, a multi-system operator, on Wednesday filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, challenging Star India’s claim of outstanding dues, which, if not paid, could lead to disconnection of Star bouquet for the MSO country-wide.
In its petition, Hathway has contended that its dues are well within the business credit period. Star India had served a one-month notice earlier this month to Hathway threatening to disconnect its channels if dues are not cleared.
The case, which was admitted during the court vacations, will be heard on 4 July. The Union government too has been made a party to the case.
Star India, industry sources say, is claiming approximately Rs 470 million as the outstanding amount. Hathway, on the other hand, maintains it owes just Rs 40 million.
This is the first public face off between the two partners, five years after the Star Group acquired a 26 per cent stake in Hathway.
The channels within the network that Star has threatened to de-link from Hathway include Star Plus, Star Movies, Star World, Star Gold, Star News, Utsav, Star One, Vijay TV, National Geographic Channel, The History Channel, Channel [V], Hungama TV and the two Walt Disney channels – Toon Disney and The Disney Channel.
Star and Hathway executives were not willing to comment on the issue.
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.
