GECs
SAB’s Markand Adhikari opposes limit on number of FTA channels in basic tier
MUMBAI: Even as the the outlines of the basic tier in the conditional access environment are firming up (30 free to air channels at Rs 72), FTA broadcasters are expressing the view that there should be no limit on the number of FTA channels available.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, SAB TV vice-chairman Markand Adhikari asserted, “There should be no limit on the number of FTA channels in the basic tier. Otherwise, there will be arm twisting by cable operators.”
Adhikari fully endorsed the views expressed earlier to the media by Mahesh Prasad, president, Sahara TV and former I&B secretary, that FTA broadcasters were being given a raw deal. Prasad has been quoted as saying that because the CAS task force was gravitating towards 30 channels in the FTA tier, the consumer might get a raw deal. Adhikari said the only way to prevent cable operators from demanding carriage fees was to ensure that all FTA channels were carried.
Queried as to where SAB TV would stand in a post-CAS scenario, Adhikari said if properly implemented, it was bound to benefit his channel. The fact that SAB TV was uniquely positioned as primarily a comedy channel would make it a must carry not only on every cable platform but also on every media plan as well, he asserted.
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.
