GECs
Zee TV’s &pictures launch to be followed by GEC Anmol
MUMBAI: Earlier this week, media offices went into a tizzy when a small pouch containing a fortune cookie and a chocolate box arrived at journos tables with just a tag ‘& coming soon.’ Additionally, an anonymous email arrived saying that &pictures has bagged the broadcast rights of upcoming film Chennai Express. No one knew who it was from; everyone was kept guessing.
On 1 August, the anonymous sender’s identity was revealed. A press release arrived from Zee TV proclaiming that it is launching a new movie channel christened &pictures. And it gave sparse details about the channel.
Now indiantelevision.com would like to reveal more about the initiative to readers: &pictures is currently being led by Zeel chief content and creative officer Bharat Kumar Ranga and is expected to launch a fortnight from now. And the target audience, well, it’s going to be young India, namely the youth. Hence, the channel will run films which excite them and which are not more than a decade old.
“But that doesn’t mean we will not show cult movies like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sinkandar. Even today youngsters can relate to movies such as these and enjoy them to the fullest. So, whatever our TG wants, we will give it to them,” clarifies the source.
The network is currently promoting the channel digitally keeping in mind that the TG is normally online 24×7. However, large-scale promotions and marketing activities will start only after the first week’s ratings, elaborates the source.
Indiantelevision.com has learnt that there is more in the offering from the Zee TV network. It is slated to launch another GEC in September called Anmol which is likely to be like Star Utsav, that plans to air re-runs of Zee TV shows like DID LiL Champs, Indias Best Dramebaaz, Afsar Bitiya, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, Punarvivah and Pavitra Rishta.
Moreover, the test signals of the channel have already started. Anmol has been added on Dish TV, running on channel no 103 via DD Direct Plus and has replaced 9XM (now on 670). The new channel has also launched its official Facebook page.
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.
