GECs
Zee pulls out all stops on blockbuster FPC publicity
MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: The countdown for Zee’s blockbuster gamble that begins tomorrow has begun.
And the channel is obviously not sparing any efforts to ensure that it is exciting viewers’ curiosity about the relative new movies that are to be aired. A whopping Rs 70 million to Rs 100 million have been set aside for the six week media campaign, admits Zee TV president Apurva Purohit. All the media available are being pressed into service – full page ads appeared today in the Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Dainik Jagran, Hindu, Deccan Herald, Mid-Day and Sakaal, among others.
The Legend of Bhagat Singh, the first blockbuster to be aired on Zee
Websites, as well as FM radio and cinema halls in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore as well as outdoor hoardings in a substantial number of cities are already teasing the viewer with tantalising snapshots of the ‘fresh films’ that are to be aired in the Har Ghar Par Premiere band. Of course, Zee’s own channels are all being pressed into service to advertise the films, the first of which, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, airs tomorrow at 8 pm.
Zee is apparently gung ho about its new programming even before the films have started airing – and the channel plans to go in for more acquisitions, at least 10 to 12 of them, from April 2003 onwards. while admitting the the cost of movies has been fairly high, Purohit would not comment on the actual numbers. However, industry sources say Zee has a Rs 500 million acquisitions war chest set aside for this.
The strategy behind the programming change and the media campaign is that movies will attract viewers to the channel which is likely to get translated into viewership for our serials too. After all the serials will sustain the channel, says Purohit.
The feedback from the advertisers and press has been good on the campaign. Says Purohit, “People have been calling up since morning to discuss the newness of the movies. For example, some of the movies are still running in theatres.”
The main sponsors for the Har Ghar Par Premiere movies are Coca Cola, Livon, Cadbury and Whirlpool. And if industry reports that Zee has already wrapped up Rs 400 million worth of ad sales from the current lot of movies are true, it can only have given the Zee TV president added confidence that the this is a strategy that will work.
The movies look like doing their bit. Now it will be on the serials to hold their end up.
Bollywood Blockbusters slewed for every Thursday at 8 pm are as follows :
| Date 2002/03 | Film |
| 10 Oct | The Legend of Bhagat Singh |
| 17 Oct | Humraaz |
| 24 Oct | Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai |
| 31 Oct | Om Jai Jagdish |
| 7 Nov | Mujhse Dosti Karoge |
| 14 Nov | Little John |
| 21Nov | Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi |
| 28 Nov | Rehna Hai Tere Dil Main |
| 5 Dec | Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge |
| 12 Dec | Kitne Door…. Kitne Paas |
| 19 Dec | Deewaanapan |
| 26 Dec | Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai |
| 2 Jan | Hathyar |
| 9 Jan | Style |
| 16 Jan | Road |
| 23 Jan | Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein |
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.
