GECs
Star open to talks on payment terms to producers
Responding to reported rumblings of discontent over payment terms among the producers of some of its hit serials, Star TV has said it is open to negotiations.
We’re in touch a number of producers at any given time and obviously terms will vary from one to another depending on various factors, Peter Mukerjea, CEO of News Television India, the Indian arm of Hong Kong-based Star TV, said.
His comment came after attention was drawn to a Business Standard report that some independent production companies were demanding a hefty cut of the profits earned by Star from their programmes.
Balaji Telefilms, promoted by former Bollywood star Jeetendra and producer of two of the top serials on Star Plus (including the superhit family soap opera, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”) confirmed that it was renegotiating programme rates with the channel.
When pressed for details about the talks with Balaji, Mukerjea said he couldn’t say offhand what level the discussions had reached.
Meanwhile, in another development, reversing its earlier decision to drop co-sponsors, Star has decided to have sponsors back on KBC.
“We have struck deals with six sponsors,” Sumantra Dutta, executive vice-president (sales and marketing) said on Tuesday. “The new sponsors are Pepsi, Cadbury, Raymond’s, Kinetic, Everest and Godrej,” Dutta added.
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.
