GECs
IBF urges Centre to grant ‘infrastructure status’ to broadcasting industry
MUMBAI: In a bid to push the digitisation agenda, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) today urged the Union Government to grant “Infrastructure Status” to the broadcasting industry, including direct to home (DTH) and cable sectors.
At a pre-Budget consultation meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, IBF stressed that the expected investment in STBs (set-top boxes) and optical fibre network alone would be to the tune of Rs 25,000 – 30,000 crore.
“In the present era of convergence, distinction between Telecom, IT and Broadcasting sectors is getting blurred. Telecom is already treated as an ‘infrastructure service.’ Broadcasters and distribution platforms will be aided with better and affordable financing options in the present capital-intensive growth phase if broadcasting sector is accorded infrastructure status. This will also provide a level playing field to the broadcasting sector with telecom and ISP industry,” IBF secretary general Girish Srivastava said at the high level meeting.
The Foundation also urged the Government to reduce customs duty on STBs to five per cent from the present 10 per cent. “The Finance Act, 2013 had increased customs duty on STBs to 10 per cent from earlier five per cent. In order to push digitisation, customs duty on STBs should be reduced to the earlier level of five per cent if not entirely removed,” Srivastava added.
On the direct tax front, IBF urged the Finance Ministry to allow carry forward of losses in case of amalgamation/merger. “Currently all industrial undertakings in manufacturing, software, electricity and telecom sectors are allowed carry forward of losses in case of merger/amalgamation. Media and Entertainment industry should be granted a similar status by amending Section 72(A)(7)(aa) of the Income Tax Act,” IBF said in its presentation.
Another proposal presented by IBF related to tax withholding on transponder charges. Finance Act, 2012 retrospectively included payment of transponder hire and other charges as royalty. However, these are not regarded as royalty under DTAA definition of royalty. IBF requested the Ministry of Finance that the definition of royalty under the Indian Income Tax Act and Treaty (DTAA) be aligned so that the credit of withholding tax is available to the foreign satellite service providers.
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.
