GECs
Sony Pictures Entertainment gears for high-octane action on small screen
MUMBAI: After successful production of TV series like Breaking Bad, Sony Pictures Entertainment has now decided to produce fewer films as it readies itself to make a significant shift from motion pictures to higher-margin television production and also to operating TV channels.
It is learnt that Sony had earlier in May received a letter from hedge fund investor Daniel Loeb. It was after this letter that the channel has been looking at investor support to improve the studio’s profitability. There have been several media reports which state that the studio is working with a third party to identify further cuts.
Sony’s pictures business, which includes its film and television operations, is expected to have revenues of $8.4 billion in fiscal year 2015, and an operating margin of 7.4 percent. In its music business, the company expects revenue of $4.8 billion with a 9.5 per cent operating income margin.
Media reports suggest that the studio is expected to release fewer than 20 films, down from the 23 released previously every year.
According to the company record released in October, the studio had an operating loss of $181 million in its fiscal second quarter that ended 30 September for its pictures unit, which includes film and TV production.
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.
