GECs
Zee creates key division to manage events
MUMBAI: Events are going to become bigger and grander on Subhash Chandra’s network. Zee Telefilms Ltd (ZTL) CEO Pradeep Guha has identified events as a huge revenue opportunity for the group and is in the process of setting up a separate division to solely manage that side of the business.
Zee will soon be appointing a top level executive who will handle events including the prime property Zee Cine Awards. The search is actively on. “We are in talks with a couple of people to get on board who will manage our events. This is for all our channels across the world,” Guha tells indiantelevision.com.
Guha says events would no more be a part of the marketing function. “Now we are de-linking it. It is a separate activity altogether because when the marketing executives are involved in events, their day-to-day responsibilities get affected,” he says.
With Guha at the helm, ZTL is expected to tap the event market much more vigorously. “What we are definitely looking at this year is events. About three properties are in the pipeline,” he confirms.
When queried if Zee would acquire any formats that would be event-led, Guha answered in the negative. “The events will be tied in to our current properties,” he says.
After a successful Zee Cine Awards held in London in March 2005, Zee has launched another property Zee Astitva Awards. Zee Astitiva awards honour women achievers in various fields.
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.
