GECs
UTV LOOKS AT DD BROADBAND BONDING AND 2001 IPO
Media company UTV’s Singapore subisdiary is in talks with state-owned broadcaster DD to promote its online initiative, ddindia.com in Singapore. UTV Chairman Ronnie Screwvala says that revenue sharing discussions are on to launch ddindia.com on the UTV-owned sharkstream.com, its streaming video portal. Screwvala refused to divulge any further details on what the revenue share is likely to be as nothing had been finalised as yet.
He, however, pointed out that sharkstream.com has a subscriber base of 90,000 subscribers in Singapore courtesy its linkup with the local broadband initiative there, Singapore One. UTV receives a part of the Sing$ 3 to $9 per month that Singapore One collects from each of its subs. “The arrangement is under review,” points out Screwvala.
Currently, sharkstream.com webcasts 17 video channels and 70 audio channels. 180 hours of programming are available for pay per view access to subscribers. sharkstream.com has also recently launched via MSO GigaMedia in Taiwan, and plans an Indian launch this month.
Screwvala added that the UTV board had recently approved the prospectus for its proposed public issue, and expects to place it with Sebi withn three weeks. UTV hopes to launch the US$ 40 million (Rs 1,859 million) public issue in early January 2001, to fund its expansion plans.
Some 90 percent of the issue will be sold via the book building route, with 10 percent being offered to retail investors. The funds are slated to be utilised to add content at both UTV and its animation offshoot UTV Tons, the company’s broadband projects and finally to reduce the its present debt.
The UTV IPO has been one of the most awaited in recent times. Announced about a year ago, it has yet to make its debut. Screwvala and his team have been threatening to unravel it almost every two months. But they have decided against it time and again thanks either to the Nasdaq downturn, or the fizzling of new economy stocks. Hopefully, UTV means business this time.
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.
