Sony KAL Hindi, a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel that showcases drama and comedy series from India, has made its way to Comcast’s Xumo platform.
Sony KAL Hindi, operated by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), features shows such as the medical drama “Dr. Bhanumati on Duty; “Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin,” a soap opera about a woman trying to find her way in the world; “Meet the Drapers,” a competition reality series, and more.
SPN launched the FAST channel in the U.S. in January, making it available on LG Channels and Plex, as well as on Sling’s free live TV tier. It’s also available as an add-on to Sling’s international language packages.
Additionally, Sony KAL Hindi debuted on the TCL Channel in the U.S. and Canada this August.
"After Sony KAL's successful launch in the U.S. as one of the first South Asian FAST channels in the region, we're excited to grow the reach of the channel,” stated Jaideep Janakiram, SVP of international business and head of the Americas at SPN.
“Now Xumo customers in the U.S. and Canada will be able to enjoy free access to our robust lineup of premium South Asian content that is subtitled and available across multiple devices,"Janakiram continued.
Charter is also doubling down on South Asian content. The cable operator in September added a video package of India’s Zee TV channels to Spectrum TV.
Stefan Van Engen, SVP of programming and partnerships at Xumo, noted Sony KAL Hindi “is the perfect complement to our rich library of internationally-focused content from key regions around the world.”
"There's a growing interest in programming like this, and our ability to deliver premium, subtitled South Asian content to millions of viewers across several popular genres is a valuable addition,” he said in a statement.
Sony Pictures Television offers a variety of FAST international content, including Sony Canal – a collection of Spanish-language channels for the U.S. Hispanic audience – and Sony One, a FAST channel offering in Mexico.
AVOD and FAST providers are particularly focused on Spanish-language programming. The Roku Channel in June launched a dedicated hub for free TV shows and movies in Spanish.
Also, Adsmovil’s Nuestra.TV, an AVOD service catering to bilingual Hispanic viewers, officially launched in September with Verizon as a sponsor.
As for Xumo, a number of FAST content entrants recently joined the platform. Magnolia Pictures inked a deal with Xumo in August to launch a channel featuring Magnolia’s library of films. And in July, Great American Channels made its first foray into the FAST space on Xumo.