GECs
Keertan Adyanthaya quits Star News, joining Vh1 as GM
MUMBAI: Star News brand director Keertan Adyanthaya is going back to the arena where he first made a name for himself – the music channel business.
Adyanthaya, who put in his papers a few days ago, is joining MTV India. While indiantelevision.com was unable, at the time of filing this report, to get an official confirmation on his position at Viacom’s Indian arm, industry sources confirm that he will be heading MTV’s English music channel sibling Vh1. Adyanthaya’s official designation is general manager Vh1.
Adyanthaya, who has been with Star India for several years, most of which was at Channel [V], was given the responsibility of Star News’ marketing after the channel took on a new avatar in 2003 following its divorce from content partner NDTV.
Adyanthaya’s replacement has not been finalized yet by Star News’ parent company Media Content and Communications Services India Pvt. Ltd (MCCS).
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.
