GECs
Nat Geo taps Miditech to represent archive content in India
MUMBAI: National Geographic Venture’s Digital Media Group in the US has announced that it has signed a three-year agreement with production house Miditech to represent its digital archives throughout the Indian subcontinent region.
The arrangement seeks to expand the potential customer base of National Geographic’s extensive archive material and film footage by utilising Miditech’s existing client base and creating a local presence within India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This will mark the first time National Geographic’s digital archive material and footage will be represented in the Indian subcontinent.
National Geographic’s Digital Media Group offers an array of media elements in high definition and standard formats. Content includes raw footage, short programming, long programming, scientific experiments, interviews, lectures, news, history and cultural materials to traditional media licensees, as well as to online, mobile, computer and video game developers and other new and emerging technologies.
Miditech CEO Nikhil Alva says, “We work closely with National Geographic in India on projects. So we understand what their brand is all about and also what the long term objectives are. This partnership will extend the relationship we have with them. The footage that they have on subjects like wildlife and natural history is fantastic. We do similar work and we have a library of our own which has been built over the course of a decade. So the two libraries coming toegether makes for a strong proposition.
“The footage can be used in different ways. There is the route of offering footage to ad agencies and production houses. Footage can also be given to film companies who might refashion the same and introduce a new perspective. We would also look at approaching educational institutions. These days a lot of schools and colleges feel the need to supplement textbooks with video. Another possibility is creating clips for the mobile from National Geographic footage.
“Miditech has built a solid brand name over the years through a consistent track record. So people from the industry would feel comfortable with approaching us for their video requirements. We are also looking to tap into existing relationships we have with industry members. Our experience and brand image coupled with our access to broadcasters, production houses and others put us in a unique position to leverage this initiative with National Geographic to create and rapidly expand the market for quality stock footage in the region”.
Alva adds that Miditech is producing five one hour documentaries for NGC. These will air next year in the first quarter. Topics covered will include earthquakes and cyclones.
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.
