GECs
Vh1’s Christina Norman elevated as MTV president
MUMBAI: Christina Norman, the highly regarded president of Vh1, has been given a much more high profile role within MTV Networks. The African American media whiz was yesterday named president of MTV: Music Television.
Stepping into her shoes as it were is Tom Calderone, who has been named general manager of Vh1. Calderone has served at MTV and MTV 2 as executive vice president, music programming and talent.
Norman fills a position that has been lying vacant since October. As president, Norman will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, strategy and management of MTV. She will also oversee and direct: business development, research, marketing and promotion, finance, communications and human resources and will partner with the respective general managers on the overall strategic direction of MTV2, mtvU, MTV Espanol, MTV Hits and MTV Jams, informs a media release.
In addition, Norman will help manage MTV’s new media efforts, with the digital media group, including MTV.com and MTV She will also be responsible for MTV’s strategy around new business initiatives and consumer products under the MTV brand.
At Vh1, Norman has been credited with revamping the programming and enhancing creative development and the networks on-air image.
As for Calderone, he had overseen the development of music franchises such as Spankin’ New Music, and MTV Ultimate Mash-Ups.
Calderone also played a key role in the renewed MTV2 by shepherding new programming as the underground hit Wonder Showzen, the music performance series Discover and Download and music blocks Sucker Free Sundays and Subterranean.
Both Norman and Calderone will continue to be based in New York and report to MTV Networks president Van Toffler.
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.
