GECs
Reliance-Viacom18-Disney merger gets NCLT nod too
MUMBAI: Even as media watchers await the detailed order of the Competition Commission of India, (CCI) another hurdle has been cleared by Reliance Industries relating to the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star India – that of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
It was on Friday that the NCLT gave it the green signal. Judicial member Kishore Vemulapalli and technical member Anu Jagmohan Singh gave the thumbs up to what will become India’s leading media conglomerate valued at over Rs 70,000 crore.
Reliance owns a clutch of channels including the Colors and Sports 18 brands through its offshoot Viacom18 as well as the OTT platform JioCinema. It is seeking to merge these into Star India creating a giant merged combined entity.
The NCLT has directed the companies to get ministry of information and broadcasting approval before resorting to any such transfer of channels.
Additionally, it has directed the firms to file the NCLT order and the approved scheme with the registrar of companies within 30 days as well as approach the superintendent of stamps for stamp duty adjudication, if applicable, within 60 days.
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.
