GECs
SET-Discovery in MG deal with SCV
MUMBAI: Sony-Discovery has struck an exclusive deal with Sun Network’s SCV for distribution of its bouquet of channels in Tamil Nadu.
SCV, the largest cable network in Tamil Nadu, will be paying a minimum guaranteed (MG) amount to SET-Discovery’s One Alliance. This will help One Alliance ramp up subscribers in a state which does not have consumer pull for Hindi content.
One Alliance has struck similar deals in Bangalore with Incablenet, Hathway Cable & Datacom in Hyderabad, and RPG Netcom in Kolkata. According to the agreement, the multi system operator (MSO) pays a MG to be the exclusive distributor of One Alliance in a particular territory. For One Alliance, collection of dues improve and there is scope to increase subscriber declarations in difficult markets.
Such MG deals between broadcasters and MSOs have increased ever since the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has maintained a freeze on subscription rates across the value chain. Star in particular has been an aggressive player in the northern region of the country while also cutting a deal with Hathway Cable & Datacom in Hyderabad.
Broadcasters select cable operators who are dominant players in a particular market. The practice of “minimum guarantee” deals is seen by small cable operators as a drive to create monopolies.
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.
