GECs
Star Plus gets a new GM
MUMBAI: There is a change at the top in the Star Plus office. The leading general entertainment channel has a new General Manager — Gaurav Banerjee, who will fill in the space for Nachiket Pantvaidya, who quit in September this year. He will report to Star India COO Sanjay Gupta.
Gaurav was the executive vice-president, content strategy of Star India. He joined Star Plus in October 2009 and played a pivotal role in shaping the content around the theme, “Rishta Wahi Soch Nayi”. In his previous role at Star India, Banerjee had helped in content development for Star Plus as well as Life OK for shows like Mahadev, Diya aur Baati Hum and Sasural Genda Phool.
An alumnus of St Stephen’s, Delhi University and MCRC, Jamia Milia Islamia, Banerjee joined Aaj Tak in 2000. He anchored The War Room that covered the Afghan war and elections. He then joined Star News and anchored the 9 pm news and was the executive editor of prime time news. He also played an important role in the launch of Star Ananda that was a big success from day one. He also set up Star’s regional channels and is credited to take Jalsha to the number one spot.
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.
