GECs
Revenues for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia marginally up
MUMBAI: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia has announced its results for the second quarter of the year. The media firm managed to earn revenues of $46.0 million, compared to $44.1 million in the prior year’s quarter. Operating loss for the second quarter was $ 34.2 million, compared to an operating loss of $ 17.8 million for the second quarter of 2004.
The current period results include a $16.8 million non-cash charge related to the vesting of certain warrants granted in connection with the production of a new syndicated television show ‘Martha’ which is being done with reality TV guru Mark Burnett and certain other employee-related charges of $3.2 million.
MSLO president and CEO Susan Lyne said: “The momentum we began to build early in 2005 is starting to deliver a quantifiable improvement in performance. We have exceeded our own plan both in terms of results and in the success of our efforts to leverage the consumer connection with Martha and the brand. We expect to achieve breakeven OIDA in the second half of 2005, an improvement of approximately $15 million over the second half of 2004.
“In publishing, our flagship magazine, Martha Stewart Living, continues to achieve solid increases in advertising. At this point in the selling cycle, we are feeling very good about indicators for 2006 advertising page growth. Everyday Food continues to please readers and win new advertisers. Importantly, we are working on numerous multi-platform opportunities that allow us to offer advertisers access to a common, loyal and engaged audience across print, broadcast and Internet.
“We are now hard at work readying the first season of our new daily syndicated television show, Martha. All business segments stand to benefit from increased brand visibility as we return to television this fall with both our new daytime show and The Apprentice: Martha Stewart. Our recently announced partnership with Discovery Communications will give us a platform to create new lifestyle programming, while expanding the audience for our current product.”
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.
