GECs
Zone Vision makes inroads in China with Encore International acquisition
MUMBAI: Zone Vision Networks, which owns and operates Reality TV, has announced a deal for China in association with Liberty Media Corporations Encore International (EI).
Zone Vision has acquired the assets of EI and Asian Television and Communications International (ATCI) from Liberty Media. EI operates a daily branded block, Everyday Jiayi, on Chinese state broadcaster China Central Televisions CCTV-8.
Zone Visions operations in China, meanwhile, include a five-year agreement with CCTV to represent its English-language service, CCTV-9, around the world. Deals have already been inked for the channel in 13 countries.
EI founder John J Sie will continue in his role as chairman, and his venture, JS International, together with Liberty Media Corporation, will hold a five per cent stake in the combined entity. The China activities of Zone Vision, EI and ATCL will be operated under the Encore International banner.
Zone Vision founder and chairman Chris Wronski says, This is an incredible opportunity for Zone Vision. Encore International has established an excellent brand and foundation that our global content networks can build upon in China.
Sie said, Our original vision for Encore International in China has been to develop a platform of channels when Chinese law allows it. Zone Vision has the programming library and international business savvy to see that goal through.
Zone Visions China representative Sarah Jiang, will be Encore International Beijing (EIB) GM and chief representative. She will manage the daily operations of Everyday Jiayi, oversee EIs interest in the advertising joint venture with CCTV, bring Zone Visions program block in China under EIB, and she will seek out additional business opportunities for the company.
ZONE VISION ACQUIRES THE HORROR CHANNEL
Meanwhile, in the UK, in order to expand upon its portfolio of thematic channels that includes Reality TV, Romantica, Club and Europa Europa, Zone Vision has announced the acquisition of The Horror Channel, a UK digital channel featuring films, studio and movie reviews in the horror genre. Zone Vision Networks is acquiring the channel from founder, Tony Hazell.
Zone Vision senior VP, business development and legal Tanya Gugenheim said, The Horror Channel has established a solid following in the UK over the past year and we feel it has excellent potential for a European roll-out. As a new subsidiary of chellomedia, one of our goals is to seek out opportunities such as this to utilise our expertise in the global channel market.
The Horror Channel is available to 7.3 million subscribers on UKs BSkyB platform.
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.
