GECs
Nimbus seeks court protection on showcause notice
NEW DELHI: Following the issuance of a showcause notice by the information and broadcasting ministry to Nimbus Communications for failing to give live feed of cricket matches to Prasar Bharati, the broadcaster today urged the Delhi High Court to provide it protection from a possible cancellation of licence.
However, Justice BD Ahmed, before whom the matter was mentioned this morning, said the broadcaster should raise the issue before the Division Bench that is already hearing two cases on the issue – one by Nimbus who own Neo Sports, challenging the Sports Broadcasting (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Ordinance 2007 and an appeal by Prasar Bharati against a single bench order permitting a seven-minute deferred telecast of the cricket matches.
Justice Ahmed said: “It is improper for the single bench to pass any order when the matter is being heard by a Division Bench (headed by Justice Vikramajit Sen).”
The ministry, in its notice issued on 13 February, had asked Nimbus to file its reply by this evening. Under the Ordinance, which was promulgated with retrospective effect, the Neo Sports channel can face cancellation of licence for violation of the Uplink and Downlink Guidelines issued in November 2005 and / or a fine up to Rs 10 million.
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.
