GECs
Star buys out UTV stake in Vijay TV for 310 m.
MUMBAI: Star India has taken complete shareholding control of its Tamil regional language channel Vijay TV after buying out UTV Software’s 44 per cent stake. The all-cash deal was worth approximately Rs 310 million.
Star, after the transaction, becomes the sole owner of Vijay Television Pvt Ltd, which provides content for Vijay TV. Vijay TV is owned by Vijay Broadcasting Co Pvt Ltd, according to a Star communiqué.
The divestment is in line with UTV’s strategy to focus its broadcasting services on its kids’ channel, Hungama TV. The channel, to be launched later this year, will be exclusively distributed by Star.
“Broadcasting is one of the three key drivers in our revenue model for the future and we clearly wish to focus in the kids’ arena with Hungama TV,” says UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala as quoted in the release.
Commenting on the buyout, Star India head of corporate communications Vivek Sengupta said, “This acquisition strengthens Star’s regional content business. Our increased investment in Vijay TV is a testimony to our commitment to the South Indian market.”
“We continue to enjoy three very strong alliances with Star. We are one of the top two TV content providers for Star. We have signed an agreement for Star to distribute Hungama, our kids’ channel, and we have a co-production alliance in movies, with projects up to Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) finalised and locked in,” adds UTV director operations and finance Ronald D’mello
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.
