GECs
&TV to commission locally produced content for UK audience
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited’s (Zeel) new Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC), which is slated to launch in the UK on 6 April, 2015, will be looking at airing locally produced content.
The channel said that it plans to commission locally produced content, which is relevant for its audience base in the UK.
Zee TV, which completed 20 years in Europe, saw actor Shah Rukh Khan along with the channel’s executives launching &TV in the UK at a special gala.
The celebration was attended by Zeel MD and CEO Punit Goenka and &TV business head Rajesh Iyer.
Talking about his long lasting relationship with Zee, Khan said that he was thrilled to officially launch the new channel along with Goenka.
Commenting on the 20 years celebration, Goenka said, “We are proud to be a medium through, which Indians living abroad have stayed connected to their roots back home all these years and we will continue to entertain and engage audiences with a unique blend of high-quality and innovative programming.”
Speaking about &TV’s launch in the UK, Goenka said, “&TV will offer a more substantial viewing experience to an audience that is always seeking fresh and relevant content. We are certain that with the launch of &TV, we will capitalize on further such opportunities to build a robust entertainment bouquet and march ahead towards achieving the global ambitions set for the company. Finally, we are so proud to be working with Shah Rukh Khan on our flagship show India Poochega – Sabse Shaana Kaun. Mr Khan has poured his heart and soul into the show and we know it will bring great joy to our European audiences.”
Zee Europe CEO Neeraj Dhingra added, “Zee TV has been a pioneer in bringing great Asian entertainment to the UK and fostering the cultural ties with India. We are certain that with the launch of the contemporary channel &TV, these ties will strengthen. The channel promises multi-dimensional content and a strong line-up of entertainment and reality shows, and we are beyond excited to have Khan as the host of our flagship entertainment programme. We are certain that the audience will enjoy seeing a different side of their superstar.”
&TV unveiled a range of its weekday programming at the event namely Razia Sultan, Begusarai, Gangaa, Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai and Bhaghyalakshmi. The channel’s weekend shows include Killer Karaoke – Atka Toh Latkah and Tujhse Naaraz Nahi Zindagi.
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.







