GECs
Zee’s Dish TV gets clean chit from government
NEW DELHI: The government, on 13 December, admitted in the Parliament that apprehensions in certain quarters had been expressed on porn content being available via direct-to-home (DTH) television services. But it gave a clean chit to the countrys first such service, Dish TV, 20 per cent owned by Zee Telefilms.
Information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy today informed the Upper House that the government is, however, keeping a watch on the possible misuse of DTH service for viewing pornographic channels.
The issue was examined in the month of August earlier this year and detailed inquiries revealed that some pornographic channels were available on the C band in India.
The government further clarified that a DTH set top box, which receives signals in KU band, cannot be used for viewing pornographic channels available on C band unless the DTH service provider transmits these channels in its bouquet or alternatively the subscriber accesses the relevant smart card and installs a huge C band dish antenna to receive such channels.
Giving a clean chit to Dish TV, Reddy said that the premises of ASC Enterprises, the sole DTH licensee, were inspected by a team deputed by the I&B ministry. It was observed that none of the pornographic channels were part of Dish TVs bouquet of channels.
The DTH license conditions make it obligatory on the licensee to adhere to the programme and advertisement code and ensure that its facilities are not used for transmitting any objectionable or obscene content, messages or communication inconsistent with the laws of India.
In reply to another query from parliamentarians, Reddy said that a 20 KW medium wave radio station at Sambalpur has been upgraded to 100 kW to provide adequate coverage in neighbouring districts of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sonapur, Bolangir and Bauda.
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.
