JioStar will deliver an even more robust portfolio of entertainment & sports: Bob Iger

Reliance Industries, Viacom 18 Media, and The Walt Disney Company have finally completed the merger of the media and JioCinema businesses of Viacom18 into Star India Private Limited (SIPL). The Reliane-Disney joint venture is slated to be christened JioStar.

The joint venture is expected to lead the transformation of India’s digital streaming eco-system and grow the linear TV space across entertainment and sports. Reliance to operate and consolidate the JV.

Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, called it an exciting moment for the two companies. He said, “This is an exciting moment for our two companies, as well as for India’s consumers, as we create one of the top entertainment entities in the country through this joint venture. By joining forces with Reliance, we are able to expand our presence in this important media market and deliver viewers an even more robust portfolio of entertainment, sports content, and digital services.”

The formation of the JV will herald a new era in India’s entertainment industry for consumers.

The JV will be one of the largest Media & Entertainment companies in India with pro forma combined revenue of approximately Rs 26,000 crore (~US$ 3.1 billion) for the fiscal year ended in March 2024. The JV operates over 100 TV channels and produces 30,000+ hours of TV entertainment content annually. The JioCinema and Hotstar digital platforms have an aggregate subscription base of over 50 million. The JV holds a portfolio of sports rights across cricket, football and other sports.