GECs
Now Steve Marcopoto to go from Turner International APac
MUMBAI: Management change are continuing at Turner International Asia Pacific as the Time Warner company tries to stay relevant and fit in the slowing and strongly localising Asia-Pacific region. After a massive bunch of layoffs earlier this year, Turner made another announcement which some are coining as the end of an era. It announced that the man who steered its fortunes just a few years after the broadcasting skies opened up in Asia will be stepping down. We are talking about Turner International president and managing director Steve Marcopoto, who has decided not to continue with his charge when his contract expires in December. Steve will, however, continue to work with Turner in a consultative capacity as a senior advisor to Turner International President Gerhard Zeiler.
Turner announced that a successor will be announced in due course.
Says Zeller: “I thank Steve for his outstanding achievements in his 15 years with Turner Broadcasting. Steve has guided Turner Asia Pacific through a period of rapid change. Under his exceptional leadership Turner went from broadcasting two networks in the region to 36 channels today along with a vast variety of digital and off-channel commerce activities. In an increasingly competitive environment, he has maintained our leadership position in news and kids channels, forged entry into new territories and built great partnerships.”
Adds Steve Marcopoto in a release issued by Turner: “Turner is poised for a great run and now is the best moment for the company to put a fresh set of hands in charge. I am very proud of the growth of our business while I’ve had the privilege of holding this role. I want to deeply thank each member on the team that has made all this happen while maintaining a high-spirited culture of collaboration, innovation and optimism. It feels right to initiate the handover now as I complete 15 years in this job, and I intend to hand over Turner Asia Pacific to my successor in an optimal state.”
Since taking the helm as president and managing director in 1998, Steve Marcopoto has overseen the growth of the business in Asia Pacific from the first linear, pan-regional TV channel to a multimedia, multi-language, multi-territory enterprise creating award-winning programmes. Under his leadership, Turner broadcasts 36 channels in 11 languages in 40 countries throughout the Asia Pacific region. This includes CNN, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Pogo, TCM Turner Classic Movies, Tabi Channel, MondoTV, WB, QTV and truTV.
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.
