GECs
Microsoft sells stake, NBC takes control of MSNBC TV
MUMBAI: Microsoft is ending a partnership that had long turned sour. The software giant is selling most of its stake in MSNBC TV, the television venture it had with NBC. The two companies have agreed to dissolve their joint ownership of the cable news channel, with NBC taking control.
NBC Universal will now have 82 per cent stake in MSNBC TV with an option to buy out the rest within two years, according to the agreement. The two companies had a 50-50 partnership in the cable news channel. Neither NBC nor Microsoft, however, disclosed the financial terms in the announcement.
This has not upset the joint holding in the news portal, MSNBC.com. Both Miscrosoft and NBC will continue to share equal ownership in M SNBC.com. “Together, Microsoft and NBC Universal have grown MSNBC.com to the number one news site,” said Bruce Jaffe, a Microsoft corporate vice president. “We are totally committed to taking MSNBC.com to even higher levels of success through our unparalleled marriage of technological innovation and news content.”
Microsoft joined hands with NBC to launch the cable channel in 1996. Though the channel started generating profits after a long wait of 8 years, it has been lagging far behind its rival news cable channels, Fox News and CNN. Media reports suggest that, the split now gives NBC options for a name change, as part of its efforts to woo more viewers.
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.
