GECs
Sony Pal set for a revamp in 2015
MUMBAI: It was a dream come true for Multi Screen Media (MSM) CEO NP Singh when he announced the launch of the network’s much hyped Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC), Sony Pal. With the tagline – ‘Yeh Pal Hamara Hai’, it targeted the housewives in the age group of 15-34 years in SEC BCDE. However, it seems that his dream of seeing the channel compete with the top general entertainment channels, is far from being achieved.
Reason: failure of few of its shows to connect with the hearts of its target audience. As a result, the newly launched channel decided to cut down a few original hours of content. The status now is that Sony Pal which launched on 1 September 2014 with nine shows, currently is airing only four.
The nine offerings were Simply Baatein produced by GR8 Entertainment and anchored by Raveena Tandon, Dil Hain Chotasa Choti Si Asha, produced by SOL Productions and hosted by Ragini Khanna and Jay Soni, Shashi Productions’ Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi, Miloni Films’ Khushiyon Ki Gullakh Aashi¸ Singhasan Battisi by Creative Eye, Pia Basanti Re by Rashmi Sharma and Pawan Kumar, Tum Sath Ho Jab Apne produced by Sphere Origins, Sister Didi by DJ’s Creative Unit and Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hain by Balaji Telefilms.
Amongst these programmes, the five that have shut their shops include Simply Baatein with Raveena which ended at week 49 of TAM TV ratings with 109 TVTs, Khushiyon Ki Gullakh Aashi in week 50 at 206 TVTs, Pia Basanti Re and Tum Sath Ho Jab Apne in week 50 at 247 TVTs and 314 TVTs respectively and Dil Hain Chotasa Choti Si Asha in week 51 at 189 TVTs.
Amongst the five, two reality shows like Simply Baatein with Raveena and Dil Hain Chhotasa Chhoti Si Asha came to a natural end as they were commissioned for 13 episodes.
One of the producers informs that a month back the channel had sent out notices to the above mentioned production houses to stop shooting and shut down their respective shows. For the other production houses, the channel has not sent out any notices yet.
From 3.5 hours of original content, Pal has slashed 1.5 hours of content and is now showcasing only 2.0 hours of original content starting from primetime 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
When contacted Sony Pal and Sab SVP and business head Anooj Kapoor says, “When we went out checking with our core TG (women GEC viewers) to what they found right and not right with the channel in terms of content, the consumers came up with very interesting answers which threw some pointers on what core corrections were required.”
“We are soon going to come back in the same slots which have been shut down with new programmes in terms of dailies and with consumer feedback on-board. Hopefully, this time around we will go to the next level. We are going to come back with exact consumer expectations as they have articulated after viewing the channel.”
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.
