GECs
UTV creates the first ever telethon in India
MUMBAI: UTV Television Content is creating a fund raising seven-hour long Telethon for CRY; the first of its kind to be done in India. The Telethon will be aired on 26 January 2005 (from 1 pm to 8 pm) on Sony Television. Viewers will be able to pledge any amount of money by calling in on a phone line, via SMS, or Internet.
A grueling seven-hour live show is based on the theme ‘India for its children’. The effort is all about raising money for the under privileged children of India. A star-studded line-up of Bollywood favourites, Indi-pop musicians, sports stars and trend-setting celebrities will rally for child rights with the entire nation.
Shedding light on the event, COO UTV Television Content Vikas Varma said, “A telethon is a very popular concept in America, but in India we are trying it on for the first time. For the last two years we have been trying to implement the idea but somehow it didn’t materialise for it requires a lot of work at the backend. This time around, a virtual call centre has been set up at the film city where the actors would be dropping in as the shooting goes on. This telethon is not at all about entertaining viewers but pledging money for a noble cause.”
The show promises to have celebrities from different walks of life – Shah Rukh Khan, Bipasha Basu, Gautam Singhania, John Abraham, Harsha Bhogle, Jackie Shroff, Makrand Deshpande, Raveena Tandon, Pooja Bedi, Diana Hayden to name a few. Stars will come on air narrating emotional and humorous anecdotes about their childhood. The celebrities will also share some heart rendering moments with the viewers.
Viewers can also get to enjoy the best of Bollywood and Indi-Pop performances, stand up comedy, interviews and musicals. The celebrities will appeal to their fans and viewers to contribute time or money to support this initiative.
Viewers can call on the tollfree number 1600221900. Hutch & BPL can sms on 8558 cry, followed by the amount they want to pledge. There will be volunteers who will be taking these phone calls and messages, on behalf of CRY.
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.
