GECs
Viacom18 appoints Mahesh Shetty as network head of sales
MUMBAI: Viacom18, today, announced the appointment of Mahesh Shetty as the Head – Network Sales. Mahesh will be reporting to Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & MD, Viacom18.
Speaking about his appointment, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & MD, Viacom18 said, “Amidst market shifts, we continue to make strides across platforms and geographies as we build brand solutions powered by analytics and insights. The way ahead is to work more closely with our partners and identify customised whitespaces with an eye on delivering consumer centric ad solutions across platforms. Mahesh’s multi-industry experience will be an asset to Viacom18 as we accelerate our journey to integrate and dial up revenue.”
Mahesh Shetty, currently serving as the COO of Entertainment Network India Ltd. (popularly known as Radio Mirchi), has over 2 decades of experience in marketing, sales and general management across geographical regions, in the media and FMCG sectors. Mahesh started his career with PepsiCo to lead the beverage major’s marketing outreach in Maharashtra and Gujarat and over his decade long stint grew within the organization to become the General Manager, National Sales – Organized Trade. He, thereafter, joined Radio Mirchi, where over the course of 12 years, Mahesh has donned many hats and has led Radio Mirchi’s network expansion to 66 stations, expanded its presence in international markets and started and scaled up multiple revenue streams. Mahesh has successfully led his team to achieve dominant leadership in listenership and revenue market share in the highly competitive radio business.
Mahesh Shetty will be joining Viacom18 in April, 2019.
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.
