GECs
Sahara targets May launch for Bengali news channel
MUMBAI: The Bengali regional news channel space is getting crowded and how. Close on the heels of Rathikant Basu’s Tara Bangla morphing from an entertainment channel into a news channel, the Sahara Group is is all set make an entry into this space.
Sahara Samay-Kolkata — following in the footsteps of region-specific channels from the stable in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Delhi — is targeting a May launch.
As per information available with Indiantelevision.com, the proposed Bengali news channel will stream programmes on Kolkata as prime time shows in a market that is likely to get further heated up with the impending introduction of a similar fare from Media Content and Services India Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between ABP Group and Star.
To keep Bengali viewers abreast of every development, the 24-hour Sahara news channel will deliver state-wise news and would comprehensively bring into play live feeds through OB vans placed at strategic points in the City of Joy.
The channel will have specific shows dedicated to the lifestyle of the city named ‘Metro’. The show will identify and look at isues beyond politics for which Bengalis and Kolkata is more famous for.
When contacted, however, Sahara India Media & Entertainment declined to offer any details relating to the proposed Bengali news channel, including who would be heading the channel.
Kolkata entertainment industry sources do indicate, however, that Prosenjit (son of yesteryear’s film actor Biswajeet), a popular figure in the Kolkata media circuit, is likely to play an important role in the channel. The Bengali channel will beam via AsiaSat 3S, which at present plays home to over 70 channels, including CNBC, CNN International, ESPN, Star and Sun TV.
The Bengali regional market would be witnessing heightened action when MCCS enters the fray with its Bangla news channel. Southern media powerhouse Sun Network is also planning to launch an entertainment channel called Surjo some time later this year.
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.
