GECs
Zee bags cricket rights, ESPN-Star loses out
Mumbai: Zee Telefilms Limited, India’s largest media and entertainment conglomerate today accepted the BCCI offer to increase the bid price to US$ 308 million, thus bagging the telecast rights for Indian cricket.
In lieu of the increase in bid price, BCCI has offered 144 days of International cricket, which is likely to go upto 160 days. This is against the earlier indicated offer of 108 days of international cricket for 4 years.
Expressing his feelings after winning the highest ever bid in the history of Indian cricket Mr Subhash Chandra, Chairman Zee Network said, “It is an overwhelming feeling to have finally been able to seal the deal which I always believed from the day one was legitimately ours.”
Mr Chandra, added, “We did not get the schedule of cricket to be played until yesterday and so could share the schedule of payments with BCCI today. Considering all aspects we have accepted the new offer ensuring that the rights for the coveted series lie with the India’s largest media and entertainment conglomerate.”
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.
