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JioCinema Could Be Reliance’s Only OTT Platform Post Star-Viacom18 Merger

Inc42 · 11m ago

JioCinema Could Be Reliance’s Only OTT Platform Post Star-Viacom18 Merger

Reliance Industries is considering merging Disney+ Hotstar with JioCinema after receiving regulatory approval for the planned Star India-Viacom18 merger. The conglomerate aims to reduce costs and enhance JioCinema's content library by combining the two OTT platforms. To address concerns from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding market dominance, Disney and Reliance have also proposed shutting down certain Hindi and regional channels of Star India and Viacom18.

Related News

JioCinema’s Business Head Ferzad Palia Soon To Quit

Inc42 · 8m ago

JioCinema’s Business Head Ferzad Palia Soon To Quit

Ferzad Palia, JioCinema’s business head, is reportedly stepping down after over two decades with Viacom18 Media. He will remain with the organization for a transition period to ensure a smooth handover. JioCinema declined to comment on the matter, but Palia, who joined in 2004, has been instrumental in the platform's growth. This development aligns with the anticipated merger of Reliance Industries’ media assets and Disney India, expected to complete by the end of the third quarter of FY25. The merger will create a joint venture between Viacom18 and Star India, potentially featuring over 100 TV channels and two major OTT platforms: Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. Recently, JioCinema reached 1.6 crore paid subscribers by the end of September 2024, driven by affordable plans and recording a 2X quarter-on-quarter growth. This strategic merger is expected to strengthen Reliance’s position in India’s media and entertainment sector.

JioCinema’s New Viewership Milestone, Logs 62 Cr Reach In IPL 2024

Inc42 · 1y ago

JioCinema’s New Viewership Milestone, Logs 62 Cr Reach In IPL 2024

JioCinema, the OTT platform led by Mukesh Ambani, experienced a significant increase in watch time during the IPL 2024, surpassing 35,000 crore minutes. Additionally, JioCinema's audience reach grew by over 38%, reaching a total of 62 crore viewers. This development follows reports of a possible merger between Reliance and Disney+Hotstar, combining the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India.

Paramount sells India unit stake to Reliance for $517 million

The Arc Web

The Arc Web · 1y ago

Paramount sells India unit stake to Reliance for $517 million

Reliance Industries has acquired a 13% stake in Viacom18 from Paramount Global for $517 million, increasing its direct shareholding in the company to 70%. This move comes ahead of the $8.5 billion merger between Viacom18 and Disney's Star India. Paramount will continue its content licensing agreement with Reliance. Previously, Paramount had formed Viacom18 as a joint venture with Reliance in 2015, but its shareholding had been diluted to 13% due to the merger of JioCinema into Viacom18. The announcement caused a 4% increase in Paramount Global's share price.

Delhi developer squats on Jiohotstar.com and demands over Rs 1 crore, Jio says legal action coming soon

Internet

Internet · 8m ago

Delhi developer squats on Jiohotstar.com and demands over Rs 1 crore, Jio says legal action coming soon

A Delhi-based app developer purchased the domain JioHotstar.com, hoping to sell it to Reliance as part of the anticipated merger between Star India (Disney+ Hotstar) and Viacom18. He aims to use the funds from the sale to finance his studies at Cambridge University. Initially optimistic about Reliance’s interest, he was approached but rejected when he requested £93,345. Reliance is now pursuing legal action for trademark infringement, while the developer is appealing for reconsideration. He believes JioHotstar.com would be a fitting name for the merged entity, arguing it would preserve brand equity and aid the transition for current users. For him, this opportunity could be life-changing, aligning his ambitions with a major corporate merger.

Prime Video’s Vivek Srivastava set to join JioCinema | Mint

Livemint

Livemint · 10m ago

Prime Video’s Vivek Srivastava set to join JioCinema | Mint

Vivek Srivastava, former head of growth and business operations at Amazon Prime Video in India, has been appointed as executive vice-president and business head for JioCinema Hindi. Srivastava brings extensive experience in the media industry, having held key positions at Times Network and Viacom18. His appointment comes as JioCinema, the video streaming platform owned by Reliance Industries, announced it has crossed 15 million paying subscribers. JioCinema offers ad-free content in multiple languages and competes with other major OTT services in India. Despite facing competition, JioCinema's affordable pricing plans could help it grow its user base.

How Reliance-Disney Merger Is All Set To Change India’s OTT Arena

Inc42 · 1y ago

How Reliance-Disney Merger Is All Set To Change India’s OTT Arena

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Viacom 18 Media Private Limited (Viacom18), and The Walt Disney Company have entered into a joint venture to combine the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India Private Limited. The merged entity will have over 100 TV channels and two leading OTT platforms, Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. The partnership is expected to disrupt the streaming market in India, with the potential to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It will also dominate the Indian sports market, accounting for a significant share of advertising revenue.

India Business Merger Deal With Reliance Is ‘Best Of Both Worlds’: Disney CEO

Inc42 · 1y ago

India Business Merger Deal With Reliance Is ‘Best Of Both Worlds’: Disney CEO

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and The Walt Disney Company's India arm are merging their media businesses in a joint venture (JV) that aims to disrupt India's OTT landscape. The deal will combine Viacom18 and Star India, giving the JV control of more than 100 TV channels and two leading OTT platforms - Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. Disney CEO Bob Iger said the partnership with Reliance de-risks the company in India and allows it to stay in the market, while analysts believe the consolidation will make Reliance a dominant player in the Indian media industry.

Reliance Industries to buy Paramount's stake in Viacom18

VCCircle

VCCircle · 1y ago

Reliance Industries to buy Paramount's stake in Viacom18

Reliance Industries, an Indian conglomerate, has agreed to acquire Paramount Global's 13.01% stake in Viacom18 Media for around $517 million. Viacom18 is a local entertainment network with 40 television channels including Comedy Central and MTV. Paramount will continue to license its content to Viacom18, which currently streams its content through Reliance's JioCinema platform. The deal is dependent on the completion of Reliance's merger with Walt Disney for their India TV and streaming media assets.

IPL 17: Disney and Viacom18 merge to lure advertisers

Thehindubusinessline

Thehindubusinessline · 1y ago

IPL 17: Disney and Viacom18 merge to lure advertisers

Disney and Viacom18 are working to attract advertisers for the upcoming 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). JioCinema has secured 18 sponsors and Disney Star has confirmed 15 sponsors, with more expected. The broadcasters are aiming for higher ad revenues for the 2024 edition, but the Indian general elections could disrupt schedules and impact advertising. JioCinema has introduced targeted advertising, and Star Sports is partnering with TATA Play to offer targeted ads in an industry first. Both broadcasters are expected to maintain similar ad rates as last year.

Viacom18 picks up rights of ISL for 2 years at base price

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Viacom18 picks up rights of ISL for 2 years at base price

The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to begin its 10th season on September 21, with Viacom18 taking over as the official broadcaster, replacing Disney Star. The move comes after Disney Star decided not to renew its rights due to losses and declining viewership. Viacom18 will stream ISL matches on its digital platform JioCinema for free. The deal was awarded at the base price of ₹275 crore for the season, with the option to extend it for up to three more years. Viacom18's digital capabilities and focus on fan engagement were cited as key reasons for the partnership.

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