GECs
Reliance-Disney Star India merger to see closure within a couple of months
Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is on track to finalise its merger with Disney’s India operations by the third quarter of FY25 – a move anticipated to significantly bolster its media presence. (Q3 FY 2025 ends on 31 December 2024, which means the merger has got just about two months, if not earlier, to achieve closure). This announcement follows RIL’s Q2 FY 2025 financial results, showcasing a resilient performance across its diversified business segments.
On 28 September, the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) granted approval to RIL for the transfer of channels from Viacom18 to Disney Star India, paving the way for the $8.5 billion merger with Disney. The merger of Viacom18 and Star India has already been given the green signal from the Competition Commission of India (CCI- subject to certain voluntary conditions), and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has also given it the thumbs up. “The companies are now securing additional required approvals, with the transaction expected to close in Q3 FY25,” Reliance Industries announced in its quarterly earnings report on 14 October 2024.
In a statement, Reliance chairman & managing director, Mukesh D. Ambani expressed optimism about the merger’s potential impact: “This merger will create a powerful platform for delivering exceptional content and experiences to our customers.” He highlighted the strategic alignment between Reliance’s digital services and Disney’s rich content library as a catalyst for growth.
“Viacom18’s integration with Disney’s assets is expected to create a formidable entertainment platform, offering a diversified content library and reaching millions of viewers across the country,” a company spokesperson stated. “The strategic alignment of media assets will enhance our ability to deliver premium content and attract more subscribers.”
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.
