GECs
MTV to shut down 3 ethnic channels targeting Asians
MUMBAI: MTV World, a group of three customised MTV channels launched in 2005 and specifically designed to serve ethnic populations in the US, is being shut down.
The three channels – MTV Desi, MTV Chi and MTV K – were being carried on satellite provider DirecTV and some other multichannel operators.
Of the three, MTV Desi served audiences with roots in the Indian subcontinent living in the US, while MTV Chi and MTV K targeted ethnic Chinese and Koreans respectively
The move to close down the three channels is part of an overall cost cutting exercise that has seen the loss of 250 jobs at the music network.
Executives who have been sacked include MTV executive VP multiplatform programming Paul DeBenedittis, MTV head content strategy and scheduling Salli Frattini and MTV senior VP in charge of production Kathy Flynn.
As far the closing of the three MTV channels is concerned the company says, “Unfortunately, the premium distribution model for MTV World proved more challenging than we anticipated in this competitive environment. As a result, MTV has decided to shut down its linear MTV World operation. However, we remain steadfast in superserving multicultural youth, and we are continuing to investigate ways to integrate the MTV Desi, Chi and K brands online and on our other screens.”
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.
