GECs
Uniform media policy not feasible hints Prasad
NEW DELHI: The Indian media barons may be proposing a uniform media policy for the print and electronic (radio and television) media, but the government does not seem to favour such a move.
“You cannot cage technology by a uniform media policy,” Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Ravi Prasad said on Tuesday, indicating that fast changing technology would hamper formulating an overarching media policy.
Talking to journalists after a meeting with a delegation comprising some of the powerful media barons of the country, Prasad said even the Convergence Communications Bill, that envisages a super-regulator for the sectors of telecom and broadcasting with an aim to being about uniformity, “needs to be re-looked”. The Bill is pending for an okay from the policy-makers after a parliamentary panel suggested 70-odd amendments before it could be thought of being enacted into a law.
Elaborating on the government’s role in the media, Prasad said that it could be that of facilitator without having a control over the media. “The government can come out with an expansion-oriented policy,” he added, hinting that suppression of foreign investment in the field of media is not something that the government is likely to do.
Asked about the demands of the India media baron on level playing field and uniformity in the foreign investment guidelines in the print and electronic medium, Prasad said, “If there is a need for revisiting that, we’d do it. But that cannot happen now, immediately.”
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.
