GECs
Star India looks at beefing up top brass
MUMBAI: Star India’s top management seems to be on the move. Considering the expanding business plans of the leading network, Star India is looking at infusing aditional manpower in startegic positions.
Sources close to Star India senior management told Indiantelevision.com the company is in the process of hiring heads for divisions like legal, administration and revenue management.
The sources said that the selection process is on at the moment and the new people are likely to be finalised by month-end.
In a related development, Kaushal Dalal, who was earlier EVP business development and international business, has been moved as EVP strategy ad sales. Dalal, who was earlier reporting to Nitin Atroley, president corporate affairs, will now be reporting directly to Star India COO Sameer Nair.
Another development to note is that of Will Miller, vice president sales, inventory management and operations. His contract is due to end in June. The sources indicated Miller’s contract is unlikely to be extended and that he would be floating his own consultancy firm.
Dalal will have the added responsibility of the inventory management portfolio. Vivek Dhaimade, vice-president, traffic, who was earlier reporting to Kevin Vaz, executive vice-president ad sales, will now be reporting to Dalal.
Star India, reportedly, is also on the look out for a junior management substitute to handle’s Dalal’s previous portfolio.
The industry buzz is that the person likely to head the revenue management division might be from a big FMCG company and once the appointment is completed, both Dalal and Vaz will be directly reporting to him.
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.
