GECs
Zee Tele gets restructure approval, to launch religious channel
MUMBAI: The restructuring of the Zee Network continues. At a meeting held this afternoon, the Zee Telefilms Ltd (ZTL) board gave the management the go ahead to merge ETC Networks with Econnect India Ltd (EIL) another ZTL subsidiary.
The merger process is expected to be completed within five-six months. Both ZTL and ETC informed the Bombay Stock Exchange of the developments today. The boards of ETC and EIL have also approved of the proposal.
A press release issued by ZTL pointed out that the merger will be synergistic for the two companies as EIL has full fledged offices in Bangalore and Hyderabad, and a network of associates across south India.
ETC, which has plans to launch a southern language music channel, would get access to ready infrastructure courtesy the merger.
This apart ETC also intends to launch an interactive entertainment portal which it could do so immediately using the technical resources available with EIL. The merger will also help shore up ETC’s financials as the combined entity will have a better balance sheet as compared to those of the individual companies, the release states.
Earlier this year, ZTL had got board and shareholder approval to whittle down EIL’s equity capital from Rs 210 million to Rs 2.6 million. ZTL had also written off the value of its investment of Rs 614.5 million in EIL and another subsidiary Zee Interactive Learning Systems Ltd (ZILS). Consequent to this, ZTL had effected a corresponding reduction in its reserves and surplus by Rs 612.2 million to Rs 34483.6 million.
The ZTL meeting today also approved the merger of five Mauritius based operating entities viz. Software Suppliers International Ltd (SSIL), Zee Telefilms International Ltd (ZTIL – syndication of ZTL content), Zee MGM (managing movie channel MGM), Expand Fast Holding Ltd, BVI (EFHL – providing satellite services to group broadcasting companies) and Asia TV (Africa) Ltd (marketing and distributing the Zee Network in Africa) with Asia Today Ltd (ATL), Mauritius (broadcasting of Zee TV and Zee Cinema).
Addittionally, the board also put the stamp of approval on the launch of a new television channel Jagaran which would have religious content. This would be Zee’s second attempt at launching a channel on alternative lifestyles and religion after its earlier aborted attempt through Chakra in 2001.
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.
