GECs
Zee wins Lanka series satellite rights for Rs 195 million
MUMBAI: The change of guard at the top of the Board of Cricket Control in Indian (BCCI) has had its immediate fallout with Zee Telefilms bagging the satellite rights for the upcoming three Test series with Sri Lanka, which kicks off in Chennai tomorrow. According to sources close to the developments, Zee paid Rs 195 million for the telecast rights.
The signing of the deal between the BCCI and Zee follows a directive from the Delhi High Court today instructing the cricket board to invite bids for awarding the telecast rights and take a decision by today itself.
It is pertinent to note here that according to news wire Press Trust of India, Prasar Bharati counsel Rajiv Sharma pointed out to the Court that the telecast rights of the three-Test series had already been granted to the pubcaster on 28 November.
PTI reported that the Bench asked him to approach BCCI and expressed the hope that the Board would honour the earlier commitment.
What this indicates is that while the terrestrial rights will rest with Parsar Bharati, the satellite rights have gone to Zee.
Zee Sports business head Himanshu Mody said, We are delighted to acquire the cable and satellite rights for the 3 Test match series between India and Sri Lanka. In an open and transparent meeting with the BCCI, in which all bidders were present, we managed to secure the rights for the series. Acquiring the rights is an assertion of our commitment to provide exciting cricket to viewers in India.
Mody further added, We are sure to repeat the success achieved in Standard Chartered Afro Asia Cup and Kingfisher Challenger Series through world-class production, marketing and distribution strength of Zee Sports. We will continue to build on that equity and provide even greater enjoyment to the fans of the game, in the tournament to be played.
The telecast will include preview and review shows, special programming and advertising innovations, world-class graphics, special interviews and match reports. Cricket Café the innovative programming initiative from Zee Sports will present the pre and post analysis of the match. In addition we are working on special initiatives to substantially boost the value we provide to our viewers and advertisers. SportsCafe, Zee Sports daily news program will present the daily highlights and analysis of the best moments of the matches.
The is hardly likley to be the last word on this contentious matter and one would expect more action in the courts around this issue, so stay tuned…
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.
