GECs
Kids television viewership descends as summer vacation ends
MUMBAI: Summer holidays have come to an end and kids with their bags and water bottles have stomped back to school. While kids may be grumpy to wake up early and get back to the rigmarole of studies, another party that needs to wake up and take notice is the kids channels.
With schools reopening, consumption of kid’s content on Indian television has seen a substantial dip according to an analysis by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India.
The decline is very much evident across all age groups. While the 4-8 years category registered ratings of 142043 in week 21, it saw an ascend in week 22 where it garnered viewership of 144519. However, in the current week (week 23) after the re-opening of schools, it went down to 126079.
On the other hand, the 9-14 years category also witnessed similar statistics where it fetched viewership of 114754 in week 21 and witnessed a substantial growth with 118091 in week 22. However, not surprisingly, in week 23 it dropped to 106168.
As per the analysis, the Southern and Western part of the country, where most schools have restarted, has witnessed a major decline in viewership. On the other hand, in North India where schools are yet to open, retains similar viewership. This goes to prove that the reopening of schools is the critical reason behind the decline in viewership.
Another key depiction that emerges from BARC India’s analysis is that even though Northern India contributes more in kids viewership, at a macro level Sothern India is the biggest market for kids in India.
With kids going back to school, looks like kids channels’ executives will also need to take home some learnings. It now remains to be seen the bunnies that the likes of Cartoon Network, Pogo, Nickelodeon et al pull out of their hats in the light of BARC India’s latest analysis. One thing is for sure, kids content producers will have to do what it takes to stop viewership from declining any further.
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.
