GECs
NatGeo open to joining DD’s DTH platform
NEW DELHI: National Geographic Channel (NGC), part of the Star bouquet of channels in India, is open to the idea of making available its fare on a variety of platforms, including a subscription free direct-to-home television service being proposed in the country by pubcaster Doordarshan.
Responding to a specific query on DD’s DTH service by a journalist from a business newspaper, NGC (South Asia) MD Zubin Gandevia said, “We are open to the idea.”
Further queried whether NGC is open to joining a DTH platform that would not charge any subscription from its customers – as DD is proposing to do initially when it makes a foray into KU-band TV service some time this year – Gandevia said, “Let them first approach us and then we will take a decision. But, principally speaking, we would like our programming and the channel to be available on as many platforms as possible.”
Pointing out that neither DD nor Dish TV have made an offer to NGC to join their DTH platforms, Gandevia made it clear that NGC, if approached, would “consider all the offers and options.”
Meanwhile, he claimed that NGC would be reaching between 25-30 million cable homes in India, but added, “Don’t ask me for the number of homes we are paid for. It’d be quite shocking.”
Gandevia also ruled out any immediate plan to introduce feeds of NGC or The History Channel (distributed as part of the Star bouquet) in other Indian languages, though he admitted that Bengali and Tamil are two languages that are “always under active consideration” of the company.
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.
