GECs
Zee responds to stock exchange query on layoff media report
MUMBAI: In a regulatory filing with the BSE on 3 December, Zee’s company secretary Ashish Agarwal insisted that recent job cuts are merely part of an “omni-channel approach” to create a “more agile and collaborative organisation structure.” The clarification came after the Economic Times reported fresh layoffs hitting the company as its business suffers from the collapsed Sony deal.
But Zee’s corporate jargon can’t hide the timeline. Back in April 2024, managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka proposed a “lean organisation structure” that would axe 15 per cent of the workforce “over a period.” That’s corporate-speak for: brace yourselves.
The company is adamant this “optimisation” is an “ongoing exercise based on business dynamics” with “no impact on operation/performance.” Translation: we’re cutting staff but everything’s fine. Honest.
Zee reassured stock exchange officials that it has “always complied” with disclosure requirements and will continue doing so. Which is reassuring, given that’s literally the legal minimum.
For a company that once dreamed of becoming a media colossus through the Sony merger, Zee is now learning that sometimes less isn’t more—it’s just less.
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.
