GECs
Sony Pictures Network builds team for kids channel, appoints two execs
MUMBAI: Celebration at Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) seems to be continuing. The network recently launched its factual entertainment channel Sony BBC Earth with BBC Earth. Now, the network is gearing up to launch another channel, Sony kids channel. The channel is slated for an April launch.
This upcoming channel will be the second kids channel from the SPNI stable. At present, Sony runs Animax, which was launched on 5 July 2004. “The kids channel will be organic, local and everything will be produced in India,” SPNI CEO N P Singh said in an interview.
The channel will be headed by Leena Lele Dutta, Singh confirmed to Indiantelevision.com. Dutta is already associated with Sony Pictures Television. She was hired to establish and set up content distribution & licensing division of Sony Pictures Television in India in 2007, and expand its footprint thereafter into the South Asian markets.
Dutta’s career spans over 20 years in the M&E industry. From an advertising sales executive to her current role of executive director – distribution for Sony Pictures Entertainment content licensing & syndication arm SPT, Dutta’s forte is working in startup companies / functions.
Apart from Dutta, the network has appointed Sujoy RoyBardhan as the AVP and marketing head for the channel. Prior to joining SPNI, RoyBardhan was working with Viacom18 as the director – marketing.
The channel has been working to expand its portfolio by adding 10 channels this year. The channels include five sports channels, and the rest will be divided between kids, music, infotainment and others. SPNI already launched two channels in the beginning of the year, and announced sports channels as well.
A new kids channel is on its way. Now, it will be interesting to see what more SPNI has in its magic box for India.
Also Read:
Sony BBC Earth to air 19 hrs of content every week, local programming on the cards
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.
