GECs
Zee set to make southern debut with 12 September launch of Alpha Telugu
MUMBAI: Zee Network is all set to unveil its Telugu channel Alpha Telugu. The 24-hour channel will start beaming from 12 September.
The launch of Alpha Telugu will finally see the Zee Network making its entry into southern television airspace. With the launch, Zee will become the second mainstream network having a presence in the South after Star, which has its Tamil channel Star Vijay.
Timed with the launch, Alpha Telugu has lined up a series of campaigns, which will start rolling from the 12th. According to Alpha Telugu business head Sreenivaas Bhatt, print, outdoor and cable will be used to promote Alpha Telugu, apart from cross promotions through the network.
Speaking exclusively to indiantelevision.com, Bhatt says the channel will telecast 17 hours of original programming daily from Day 1 of launch. According to Bhatt, a programming bank of two months’ duration is ready.
Alpha Telugu will telecast five daily news bulletins of 30 minutes duration. A total of 12 serials, eight soaps for the prime time slot and four for the afternoon band are also being lined up.
“Alpha Telugu will be stressing on reality-based shows. So, apart from news and soaps, the channel will telecast chat shows, interviews, live shows and documentaries portraying the common man’s life in Andhra,” offers Bhatt.
Bhatt however, refused to divulge financial details of the channel’s programming and marketing saying more data was awaited.
“Reality dramatised” – that’s the tagline for Alpha Telugu. With Zee Network finally realising its long-in-the-offing Telugu entry, it could well be put as “drama realised”.
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.
