GECs
US networks to mark second 9/11 anniversary quietly
NEW YORK: The second anniversary of the events of 9/11 is expected to be a quiet affair for American television networks.
While there will be news stories, broadcasters do not plan to interrupt their regular schedules unless something else should happen. The scenario was completely different last year when broadcasters used the day to air round the clock specials.
An AP report indicates that while NBC, ABC and CBS have not yet finalised things, they do not anticipate having any 9/11 specials in the prime time band. The networks are waiting to see if New York City will announce any commemorations that they feel are worth covering. ABC indicated that its regular news programmes will examine whether or not Americans are safer than before 9/11.
The network will assess the level of damage done to Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network, whether the money used to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks was well-spent and the balance between civil liberties and domestic security.
That the second anniversary is not high on the priority list can be gauged from the fact that CBS plans to rerun Scott Pelley’s interview with President Bush conducted last year on 8 September. The terrorist attacks have become more of an ongoing story and will be treated as such.
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.
