GECs
Sun cold on Maa TV buy
MUMBAI: The Sun Network has put on hold its plans to acquire Maa TV, a Telugu language channel which runs mainly on SMS-based interactive game shows.
Negotiations between the two companies have come to a standstill for the last two months. “Both sides have not been pursuing further talks,” says a source familiar with the developments.
No agreement could be reached on the valuation. There were other issues like a complete takeover which could not be sorted out, the source points out.
However, the talks can revive, he adds. For Sun, the acquisition of Maa TV would mean it gets a channel which already enjoys distribution in Andhra Pradesh. Besides, Sun feels it will be able to acquire a competing channel at a low price.
Maa Television Network executive director admits talks were initiated with Sun. “We were talking on a possible equity participation,” he says. But he was not willing to comment further on the issue.
A source close to Gemini TV also confirmed talks had taken place between Sun and Maa TV executives. “But the talks have been in suspension for over two months,” he says.
Some observers feel Sun’s reluctance to acquire Maa TV may be related to the launch of Aditya, a Telugu entertainment channel targeted at the youth and family. But a final decision on whether Sun should acquire Maa TV or not has not been taken yet, the source says.
Maa TV is fighting on a turf dominated by Sun Network and ETV. Says Prasad, “Despite competition, we have reached a break even situation operationally. Our accumulated loss, though, is about Rs 60-70 million.”
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.
