GECs
Viacom-owned TNN changes look, name
NEW YORK: The US based cable network TNN (The National Network owned by Viacom) has announced its plans to change its name to Spike effective 16 June. The channel will change its positioning and will target males.
TNN president Albie Hecht was quoted as saying that the name Spike conjures up images of being “smart and fun and irreverent.”
Hecht also states that TNN is the first network to open admit that it is targeting males. Nearly 66 per cent of TNN’s viewers are males. TNN already airs properties such as World Wrestling Entertainment, Star Trek: The Next Generation and a made-up game of basketball played on trampolines called “slam ball. Its most popular programs, Monday’s two WWE wrestling shows, are off 22 percent in viewership, with “Star Trek” down 32 percent, Nielsen Media Research said.
Spike will also work with men’s health magazine to produce segments on fitness or relationships, and CBS Marketwatch to provide financial updates.
New programmes in the works include A Guy and His Stuff about gizmos and gadgets, and Top 10 Things Every Guy Should Experience which will follow men to top sporting events like the Super Bowl.
Reports indicate that Spike TV is already available in 86 million television homes.
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.
