GECs
ViacomCBS quarterly global streaming revenues cross $1 billion mark
Mumbai: ViacomCBS global streaming revenue surpassed $ one billion for the first time in the third quarter 2021 with a growth of 62 per cent year-on-year. The company added 4.7 million net subscribers during the quarter reaching nearly 47 million subscribers. This includes the streaming platforms Paramount+, Showtime, BET+ and Noggin.
The company saw 79 per cent growth YoY in streaming subscription revenue. It generated 48 per cent YoY growth in streaming advertising revenue, largely driven by Pluto TV, which grew global monthly active users (MAUs) to over 54 million and revenue by 99 per cent YoY. In terms of monetization, global streaming subscription ARPU increased 8 per cent year-over-year.
The company’s total revenue was up by 13 per cent for the quarter ended 30 September at $6.6 billion. The pace of subscriber growth has slowed compared to the previous quarter when the company added 6.5 million new additions across its streaming services.
The company attributed the growth of subscribers and consumption on Paramount+ on its diverse global content offering including “A Quiet Place Part II,” “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” the return of the NFL, and the New CBS Fall Season.
“The strength and momentum of both Paramount+ and Pluto TV are clearly evident, and demonstrate the power of the strategy we laid out at our investor event earlier this year,” said ViacomCBS president and chief executive officer Robert Bakish. “To that end, I want to remind you of three key enablers driving the ViacomCBS strategy, all of which we’re seeing in action. First, an incredible breadth and depth of compelling content which is critical to attracting and retaining consumers globally; second, robust distribution and marketing, which ensures we can build the broadest reach and awareness; and third, a strong and flexible financial engine to enable streaming investment, drive RoI and maximize shareholder value.”
Adding further, he said, “As the leading free ad-supported streaming TV service on the market, Pluto TV is winning in both scale and engagement, and it will be a $1 billion revenue business this year.”
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.
