GECs
Star claims hold on Sunday mornings too
MUMBAI: Spiritualism seems to have worked for Star Plus.
Its three new shows that have blocked a two-and-a-half hour band on Sunday mornings with a mixed dose of spirituality, religion, leisure has captured the minds of viewers, claims the channel. If ratings are an indication, then Star avers that it has emerged a clear leader in the so far ignored Sunday morning slot.
Gurukul, Jai Mata Ki and Yatra have helped Star Plus catapult to the No.1 position as the most watched satellite channel on Sunday mornings. Star Plus’ channel share for the block is 10.2 for August Sunday mornings. Compared with Sony’s 8 and Zee’s 4.2 (TAM C&S 4+, 9 cities Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 noon), Star Plus’ Sunday mornings are apparently much more blissful.
The leader in its slot is Jai Mata Ki, which had a channel share of 14.3 on 4 August, 16.1 on 11 August, 13.3 on 18 August and 13.7 on 25 August. Yatra, which is a very different concept and a first of its kind, is also leading in its slot, claims Star.
The strategy of identifying different slots and then scheduling programmes for them seems to have worked for the channel. It claims the number one position in the early prime time slot of 7 pm to 9 pm and the prime time slot of 9 pm to 11 pm as also in the afternoon band and weekends, and now the Sunday morning slot.
And it is more than reflected in the ratings as well. Market research agency AC Nielsen’s TAM Media data just released (for the week 15 to 21 September in all C&S homes) has Star Plus’ shows occupying all the Top 30 positions. In fact, SET India’s Kkusum is the highest non-Star Plus show on the charts and it makes its presence felt only at 34.
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.
