GECs
Sony launches sustainability guidelines for content production
Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has launched sustainability guidelines for content production in an industry-first initiative, with a commitment to lead the way for the industry by adopting green practices. These guidelines aim to have SPNI achieve a zero environmental footprint by 2050.
To begin with, SPNI will implement these guidelines in a few of its shows before extending them to all ongoing productions. The guidelines outline a course of action that all SPNI associated production houses and partners must follow. They have been carefully curated based on extensive industry research conducted across content formats such as fiction, non-fiction, and digital.
“The measures incorporated cover a wide range of operations and include actionable initiatives such as a complete ban on single-use plastic, thermocol for set design and flex for printing. It also includes using low-VOC paints, FSC certified timber, ethical and eco-friendly cosmetics, and implementing mandatory waste segregation and recycling policy. Furthermore, it recommends training and capacity-building initiatives to develop a workforce and infrastructure sensitised to the ongoing processes associated with the green shift,” said the statement.
The initiatives emphasised in the sustainability guidelines are a step towards carbon accounting and carbon footprint mapping for all shows, further extending to other formats of operations. These guidelines will help to accelerate the transition to a fully green work model. An essential aspect of implementing green practices is the audit mechanism, which will benefit the organisation by tracking progress. SPNI is committed to making tangible progress toward reducing the ecological footprint by pursuing sustainable activities and partnerships to combat climate change and preserve natural resources, ensuring a healthy and sustainable planet.
Sony Pictures Networks India’s Managing Director & CEO, N.P. Singh said, “Led by SPNI’s philosophy of taking greener steps, we have parked our investments in a portfolio of green funds focused on developing companies dedicated to environmental causes such as renewable energy, waste and water management, land use and energy-efficient construction, clean transportation, and climate change, among others”.
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.
