GECs
Libyans ecstatic over Arab ‘Idol’ outcome
MUMBAI: The ‘Idol’ phenomenon is making waves all over the world. While the Indian Idol from Sony Entertainment Television’s stable has kicked off its ground activities in various Indian cities, the Middle East’s Arab Idol – Super Star has just been announced, however, not without its share of controversies.
The two finalists for the Super Star were a Libyan dental student – Ayman al-Attar and a Palestinian singer – Amar Hassan, of whom Attar emerged the winner. While the Libyans are ecstatic with the outcome, some Palestinians ascribed their defeat to underhand tactics by the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, who allegedly boosted his contestant’s vote by allowing free telephone calls in Libya.
Palestinians are alleging that Gaddafi was instrumental in backing a costly nationwide publicity campaign and also arranged for free phone calls for Libyans who wanted to vote.
The poll of almost six million was won by al-Attar 54 percent to 46 percent. According to a report published in The Jerusalem Post, Hassan’s success was viewed as a barometer of Arab support for the Palestinians, after the Palestinian Authority endorsed him as an important symbol of the struggle against Israel. Official celebrations planned across the territories were immediately cancelled when Hassan lost, to widespread local disbelief. Many said they expected him to win the title, not only because he was a better singer, but because Arab viewers would sympathise with him as a Palestinian struggling against Israel.
According to another media report, one Palestinian computer expert said that he had devised a shortcut that would allow easy multiple voting for Ammar Hasan.
Hassan was among the 6,000 aspiring singers who had auditioned for “Super Star”, of whom 17 were chosen. Out of the 17, two were chosen for the final and deciding round.
On the other hand, some Palestinian militants objected to the hoopla that was spun around the talent hunt. Islamic groups like the militant Hamas said that it distracted the public from a two-week-old hunger strike by some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners demanding better conditions in Israeli jails.
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.
