GECs
WorldSpace bids on $98 million deal to rebuild Iraqi Media Network
MUMBAI: WorldSpace which delivers digital audio radio services through satellite has announced that its government sales unit has submitted a proposal in partnership with nine other companies and institutions to rebuild Iraq’s news media institutions.
The Iraqi Media Network operates the country’s national television and FM radio networks and Al-Sabbah newspaper.
WorldSpace has stated that it is leading a team of companies with specialised experiences and a track record of success in rebuilding journalism communications in countries formerly under totalitarian regimes. With over 40 years of related expertise and $4.5 billion of combined DoD contracts the partnering companies include TFS Group; The Rendon Group; East-West News Service; Oracle Surveillance (security); and Harris Corporation, Broadcast Communication Division.
WorldSpace CEO Noah Samara was quoted in an official release saying, “WorldSpace has hand-picked the most qualified and experienced group of companies to bid on the Iraqi Media Network contract. They are companies that have demonstrated a track record of successfully serving the DoD and other internationally-focused government agencies. We are confident in our proposal, knowing that WorldSpace and its partners have the talent and technology to begin the staggering task of rebuilding a critical communications outlet for the Iraqi people.”
Scheduled to begin from 1 January 2004, the $98 million, one-year Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) contract to reconstruct the Iraqi Media Network also has two six-month extension options. The main objective of the contract is to ensure the Iraqi network is brought up to professional standards in media.
This will include the refurbishment and repair of infrastructure, the provision of programming, the expansion of the national newspaper network and the training of a local workforce. The final component is to develop an exit strategy by privatising the media network and turning the control back to the Iraqi nation of over 24 million people the release adds.
In addition to fulfilling the requirements for a prime government contractor, WorldSpace also has satellite assets which currently broadcast information, news and entertainment to portable receivers in Iraq. With dozens of channels in 15 different languages, WorldSpace’s radio service has been broadcasting into Iraq and the Middle East since 1999.
Further leveraging the advantages of satellite technology, WorldSpace has stated that it will be able to datacast content across Iraq to strengthen and build the news services, including Al-Sabbah, the country’s largest daily newspaper. The paper has a circulation of 60,000 and only one working printing press. The second printing press was bombed during the US invasion.
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.
