GECs
Zee English to revamp, don trendier avatar
MUMBAI: Zee English is changing its look.
Beginning with the Miss Universe pageant that will be held in Panama in June, the niche channel will revamp itself, complete with different graphics, packaging and promotions. The channel will strengthen its Singapore base (from where it is currently uplinked) by putting into place higher end machines, hiring manpower to create more innovative ad films for the channel’s programming.
The stress from the next two months will be on ground events, promotions in theatres and outdoor, besides tying up with teenage hangouts in metros. The idea is to change the image of the channel from one meant for mature audiences to one for the younger set. Zee MGM and Zee English business head Ashwini Yardi says inhouse research pointed to an appreciation of content but perception of the channel has suffered thus far.
The programming too is slated for a rejig. She Spies, a new show will go on air from tonight in the 10:30 pm slot, while the ninth season of Friends will air from June. The trendier Zee English will also air a CBS show Six Feet Under and a NBC sitcom series Hidden Hills from May. The Sopranos return with a new season in June.
The channel is also planning to focus attention on children’s programming with action animation series on Sunday mornings and daily sitcoms. Music shows and teenage dramas are in the pipeline for the under 20 set. The housewife is not being left out either, a line up of afternoon soaps is also on the cards.
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.
