GECs
Star Plus gears up for 22nd Annual Screen Awards
MUMBAI: Star India has acquired the rights to the 22nd Annual Screen Awards, which are slated to take place on 8 January in Mumbai. The awards will be aired on Star Plus.
While the telecast rights of the Screen Awards vested with Star Plus from 2000 to 2011, Colors showcased the awards in 2012 and 2013. However, for the last two years (2014-15), Star India’s second Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Life OK aired the awards. This year, the network has decided to put back the awards extravaganza on its flagship Hindi GEC Star Plus.
While the final telecast date of the awards has not yet been decided, it is likely to be aired on Star Plus in the last week of January.
The 22nd Annual Star Screen Awards will see a stellar line-up of some of the biggest names in Indian cinema along with the characters of Star Plus’ shows.
“Screen Awards are the Indian film Industry’s most coveted and distinguished awards built on credibility and integrity, recognising the best of talent. With the acquisition of Screen this year, the reason for celebrations has doubled. We hope to set a new benchmark with Star Screen Awards 2016 cherishing and celebrating the star studded night,” said a Star Plus spokesperson.
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.
