GECs
Taj TV to produce Cricket Plus channel for DirecTV in the US
MUMBAI: Taj TV has reached an agreement with US pay TV platform DirecTV to produce its new Cricket Plus Channel which goes on air later this month.
Taj TV operates the channel Ten Sports in India.
The 24 hour cricket channel has rights to all ICC competitions for the North American territory as well as cricket from the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
DirecTV will broadcast matches live, on a pay-per-view basis, while Cricket Plus will show delayed coverage of matches as well as broadcasting same day highlights.
Along with the cricket coverage the channel will also broadcast daily sports news bulletins as well as other sports relating to the South Asian community living in the U.S. such as hockey. Cricket Plus has acquired the rights to broadcast live all the major international hockey events including the men’s and women’s world cups and the Champions Trophies.
DirecTV VP international programming Aaron McNally says, “Cricket Plus is an exciting new addition to our cricket programming lineup and we believe it will attract a large and loyal following among DirecTV customers. With its 24-hour, in-depth coverage, this is the perfect channel for cricket lovers and we’re pleased to be the exclusive provider of Cricket Plus in the United States.”
The Dubai based Taj TV says that it already has experience in running some of the best known sports channels for a variety of clients through its Dubai Media City operation, currently handling Ten Sports Middle East, Ten Sports India, Ten Sports Pakistan, ART Prime Sport, Showtime Sportsnet, Showtime Sportsnet America and Citrus TV.
Taj Television CEO Chris McDonald said, “Taj TV is delighted to have entered into this agreement with DirecTV. With the expertise within our organisation working on Cricket Plus, the US market is assured of a first class cricket channel.”
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.
