Movie Channels
Rainbow Media expands internationally
MUMBAI: Rainbow Media which owns and manages American networks – AMC, Fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and WE: Women’s Entertainment has announced that it will expand its distribution arm internationally.
The aim is to to take its content globally for the first time in its 25-year history.
Rainbow Media states that it helped revolutionise American cable television with the development of niche oriented linear networks such as AMC, Bravo, WE, IFC and fuse. It then went on to further expand the niche oriented concept by producing a varied array of original VOD programmes for Mag Rack and sportskool.
Most recently, Rainbow expanded to a third tier of niche-oriented content with the launch of Voom HD Networks, whjich it claims is the largest and most diverse suite of high definition (HD) channels in the world.
The expansion into the international marketplace will focus on channel development and programming sales and licensing, all in an effort to broaden the audience of Rainbow’s original content, maximise the value of the Rainbow brands, and fill a large and lucrative international content void, especially in the area of HD programming.
Rainbow Media senior VP business development Glenn Oakley will supervise this expansion for the company. He will lead the newly created Rainbow International division.
Rainbow Media president and CEO Joshua Sapan says, “Throughout Rainbow’s history, we have prided ourselves in creating popular and highly valuable original content that has been at the forefront of television innovation, from cable to VOD and now HD. Our new distribution arm will leverage our experience in all aspects of high definition, programming and channel operations, providing viewers around the world with great value.
“With Glenn leading us into the international marketplace, Rainbow International will bring extensive network operation experience, vast programming assets and incredible stability to new global ventures. This is particularly exciting news for those in the HD space, where we are already hearing a tremendous excitement about VOOM and our HD content. Most important, Glenn will ensure the continued audience growth of each of Rainbow’s valuable brands.”
Oakley leads the company in new areas of business. The a 24-year cable industry veteran is responsible for identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities and market development, in addition to negotiations and deal structuring for Rainbow.
Movie Channels
Zee5 launches five free FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus India
New genre-led channels bring comedy, drama, horror, classics and South films to Smart TVs.
MUMBAI: Zee5 just turned Samsung Smart TVs into a free entertainment buffet because when premium content costs nothing, even the remote control starts smiling. Zee5 has launched five curated free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels on Samsung TV Plus India, making high-quality, genre-specific entertainment available subscription-free to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners across the country.
The five channels now live are:
Zee Comedy Nation – Popular comedy shows and movies
Zee Dil Se – Compelling drama series
ZEE Horror Nights – Horror and supernatural content
ZEE Cine Classic – Timeless Indian films
ZEE South Flix – High-energy South Indian films dubbed in Hindi
All content is drawn from Zee5’s extensive library and programmed in a lean-back, always-on format ideal for large-screen viewing. This launch strengthens Zee5’s Connected TV strategy at a time when 64 per cent of its premium content watch time already comes from connected devices.
Zee5 chief business officer Siju Prabhakaran said, “At Zee5, we believe accessibility and scale will define the next phase of digital entertainment growth in India. Our presence on Samsung TV Plus strengthens our Connected TV strategy, enabling viewers to discover curated, genre-led content in a seamless, free, and premium environment.”
Samsung TV Plus India head of partnerships Kunal Mehta added, “Local partnerships are at the heart of how we grow Samsung TV Plus in India. Zee Entertainment is one of India’s most iconic media brands, and bringing their channels to our service means millions more Samsung Smart TV owners can enjoy premium local content, subscription-free.”
The channels are available directly through the pre-installed Samsung TV Plus app with no login or subscription required. This marks another milestone in Zee5’s CTV expansion and builds on its growing international presence, with Zee channels already available on Samsung TV Plus across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
In a streaming world where paywalls often block the fun, Zee5 and Samsung have quietly opened the gates, proving that sometimes the best things in life (and on your TV) really are free especially when they come with a side of comedy, drama, horror, classics and South Indian blockbuster energy.
