GECs
Star to hike ad rates for the network from next month
The winner takes it all is an adage that Star India is using to its advantage and how. The industry is bracing itself for another hike in the Rupert Murdoch-promoted network’s rate card that is set to go into force from next month, ahead of the festival season.
Tapan Pal, president Zenith Media, confirmed that Star had verbally indicated that it was increasing its ad rates soon, though it was still to issue its new rate card.
Pal said that he expected the hikes would be across the board and following on the policy set forth since Star Plus became the number one Hindi entertainment channel, the attempt would be to push the network as a whole.
Pal said advertisers would be encouraged to advertise on the network and those wanting to advertise only on specific programmes would have to pay a heavy premium.
The last time Star increased rates was on 15 June.
Star India executive vice-president, sales & marketing, LS Nayak was noncommittal when asked for his comments.
One thing is clear from the move by Star. Whatever may have been the controversies raised by the recent leak of TRP people meters in Mumbai and Chennai attempting to cast doubts on the ratings systems, Star is asserting its position as the numero uno cable & satellite channel in India.
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.
