GECs
Zee TV finally hires broadcasting CEO
Zee Telefilms Ltd (ZTL) has hired another CEO, adding to the clutch of chiefs who run the company. This time it is advertising agency Rediffusion DY&R president Sandeep Goyal who is going to be at the helm of its broadcasting operations.
“We are happy that we have found in Sandeep the right mix of creativity and commercial acumen,” says Zee TV chairman Subhash Chandra. “Despite him being young – just 38 years- Sandeep will be able to build on the strengths of the Zee Network which he is inheriting. He will be able to build stronger bonds with stakeholders (media buyers, viewers and the society) by providing them the infotainment they are looking for. We welcome him on the team.”
Goyal has 15 years of advertising industry experience with agencies ranging from HTA, Trikaya Grey, Mudra, to Rediffusion Advertising. He will take up his posting from June 2001.
Will Goyal be able to work some magic into Zee especially at a time when it needs some of that badly? It’s a tricky question.
One will have to wait and watch how the other CEOs in the group react to the appointment and how much leeway Chandra gives Goyal. Chandra obviously is banking on his youth to bring in some refreshing changes. And since television is an untried and untested area for him, he well may.
With the announcement of Goyal’s appointment finally being made, rumour that HFCL Nine Broadcasting CEO Ravina Raj Kohli would join Zee TV can now be put to rest.
Sandeep Goyal Picture courtesy Business Standard
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.
