GECs
ZMCL reports improved revenue, operating profit for first quarter
BENGALURU: The Essel Group’s news network Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) reported 9.7 percent growth in operating revenue on the back of a 16.7 percent hike in advertising revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2017 (Q1-18, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter (y-o-y). The company’s subscription revenue however declined 29 percent y-o-y. ZMCL’s operating revenue in the current quarter was Rs 1,144.53 million and Rs 1,043.23 million in Q1-17. Total Income in Q1-18 was also 9.7 percent higher y-o-y at Rs1,176.43 million as compared to Rs1,072.41 million.
Operating profit (EBIDTA) in the current quarter increased 14.4 percent to Rs 252.17 million as compared to Rs 220.43 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Profit after tax (PAT) in Q1-18 was however 25 percent lower at Rs 73.8 million as compared to Rs 98.5 million in Q1-17, partly affected by the share of loss of Rs 23.46 million by ZMCL’s associates and a rise in expenses.
Total expenditure in Q1-18 increased 11.3 percent to Rs 1,027.27 million from Rs 922.85 million in Q1-17.
Operating costs increased 26.4 percent y-o-y to Rs 198.26 million as compared to Rs 156.90 million. Finance costs in the current quarter increased 57.3 percent y-o-y to Rs 51.15 million from Rs 32.51 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.
Employee benefit expense in Q1-18 increased 18.2 percent to Rs 293.97 million from Rs 248.64 million in Q1-17.
The company spent 42.1 percent less towards Advertising and Publicity expense in the current quarter at Rs 30.97 million as compared to Rs 53.49 million in Q1-17. ZMCL’s marketing, distribution and business promotion expense in Q1-18 increased 1.33 percent y-o-y o Rs 130.96 million as compared to Rs129.24 million. Other expense in the current quarter increased 1.56 percent y-o-y o Rs 238.20 million as compared to Rs 234.53.
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.
