GECs
Zee TV appoints new European syndication head Janice Strangward
MUMBAI: Sunita Uchil, chief business officer, International ad sales, Global syndication and production of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) announced the appointment of Janice Strangward as head of European sales syndication based out of London. Strangward previously held senior executive roles at Discovery Networks Europe, Passion Distribution, EOne and Al Jazeera Media Network.
“We are delighted to have Janice join the Zee team to head up UK and European sales syndication. As a globally recognized, and highly-respected executive, Janice is ideally placed to lead our European growth strategy. The Zee library contains many top rating and award winning local formats. Janice will work on adapting these for the European market. She will also lead our co-production strategy in the region.” said Uchil. “Zee continues to strengthen its reach around the globe and we look forward to great success in the European market.”
“Zee is one of the world’s top television brands, with a fantastic premium catalog full of rich dramas, informative and entertaining documentaries and engaging family programs. I am pleased to become part of the Zee family,” said Strangward. “And I am excited to share Zee’s great programming from both, Zee Bollyworld and Z Living libraries with European audiences.”
Strangward started her sales career with CBC in its London based international sales office. She subsequently spent 11 years at Discovery Networks Europe rising to become Regional Program Sales Director, leading their content sales and strategy across UK & EMEA. Most recently, Strangward managed programme sales across Europe on behalf of the Al Jazeera Media Network.
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.
