Viacom18: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Indian media venture}}
{{Short description|Indian media venture}}
{{copy edit|date=September 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Viacom18 Media Private Limited
| name = Viacom18 Media Private Limited
| logo = Viacom 18.svg
| logo = Logo of the Viacom18.svg
| logo_size = 270px
| logo_caption = Final logo, used from 2007 to 2025
| type = [[Joint venture]]
| type = [[Joint venture]]
| industry = [[Television]]
| traded_as = Viacom18
| foundation = {{start date and age|2007|11}}
| industry = [[Media conglomerate]]
| location = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.viacom18.com/contact.html |title=Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd |publisher=Viacom18.com |access-date=27 July 2018|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023065128/http://www.viacom18.com/contact.html |archive-date=23 October 2011 }}</ref>
| foundation = {{start date and age|2007|11|16|df=y}}
| key_people = [[Jyoti Deshpande]] ([[CEO]])
| defunct = {{End date and age|2024|11|14|df=y}}
| owners = [[Network 18]] (73.91%)<br />Bodhi Tree Systems (13.08%)<br/>[[Paramount Networks EMEAA]] (13.01%)
| fate = Transferred all its assets to Disney Star and became a shareholder in the new entity [[JioStar]] with 46.82% stake
| subsid = Viacom18 US<br /> Viacom18 Media<br />Viacom18 Digital Ventures<br />Roptonal<br>The Indian Film Company<ref>{{cite web |title=TV18 Broadcast Ltd (CRD) |url=http://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachHis/TV18_Broadcast_Ltd1_100214.pdf |website=BSEIndia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923224204/http://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachHis/TV18_Broadcast_Ltd1_100214.pdf |archive-date=September 23, 2015}}</ref><br />[[Viacom18 Studios]]<br/>[[JioCinema]]
| successor = [[JioStar]]
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.viacom18.com/|Viacom18.com}}
| location = [[Lower Parel]], [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.viacom18.com/contact.html |title=Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd |publisher=Viacom18.com |access-date=27 July 2018|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023065128/http://www.viacom18.com/contact.html |archive-date=23 October 2011 }}</ref>
| key_people = *Kevin Vaz ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]] – Entertainment)
* Kiran Mani (CEO – Digital)
* Sanjog Gupta (CEO – Sports)
| area_served = Worldwide
| owners = {{ubl|
[[Reliance Industries]]
|Bodhi Tree Systems|
}}
}}
| subsid =
| homepage = {{URL|viacom18.com}}
}}
'''Viacom18 Media Private Limited''' was an Indian [[media conglomerate]]. It was a subsidiary of [[Reliance Industries]] with a minority stake owned by Bodhi Tree Systems. It owned television channels and a film production studio in India. Following the merger of its assets with [[Disney Star]], it is the largest shareholder in the newly formed merged entity [[JioStar]] with a 46.82% stake.<ref name=radac>{{Cite news |title=Reliance And Disney Announce Completion Of Transaction To Form Joint Venture To Bring Together The Most Iconic And Engaging Entertainment Brands In India |url=https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/17c6f26c-637f-41d2-8361-f5badcc806ec.pdf}}</ref>
== History ==
=== Founding and early years (2007–2011) ===
Viacom18 was founded in 2007 as a joint venture between [[Network18 Group]] and [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]].
In January 2010, Viacom18 went international with the launch of [[Colors TV|Colors]] in the United States. The channel is called Aapka Colors. In July 2010, it entered into 50/50 distribution joint venture with [[Sun Network]], to form Sun 18.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beefing Up The Bouquet|url=http://business.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?270571|publisher=business.outlookindia.com|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-date=5 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005175439/http://business.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?270571|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In December 2011, Viacom18 launched [[Nickelodeon Sonic]], targeting children.<ref>{{cite web|date=5 December 2018|title=Viacom18 launches its new channel 'Sonic Nickelodeon' in India|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Viacom18-launches-its-new-channel-sonic-in-India/5303665136|access-date=26 December 2018|publisher=[[India Infoline]]|archive-date=8 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308141449/http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Viacom18-launches-its-new-channel-sonic-in-India/5303665136|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''ETV Network acquisition and rebranding (2014–2015)'''
On 22 January 2014, TV18 acquired the non-[[Telugu language]] TV assets of [[ETV Network]] for ₹2,053 [[crore]], with permission to use the ETV brand name.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 January 2014 |title=Network18 finishes Rs 2,053-cr deal to acquire ETV stakes |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/network18-finishes-rs-2053-cr-deal-to-acquire-etv-stakes/articleshow/29215772.cms |access-date=2022-10-24 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407164848/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/network18-finishes-rs-2053-cr-deal-to-acquire-etv-stakes/articleshow/29215772.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
In March 2015, Viacom18 decided to rebrand all five non-[[Telugu language]] [[ETV (Telugu)|ETV]] regional general entertainment channels. [[Colors Marathi|ETV Marathi]], ETV Gujarati, [[Colors Kannada|ETV Kannada]], [[Colors Bangla|ETV Bangla]], and ETV Odia were rebranded into [[Colors Marathi]], Colors Gujarati, [[Colors Kannada]], [[Colors Bangla]], and [[Colors TV|Colors Odia]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestmediainfo.com/2015/03/viacom18-extends-colors-franchise-with-5-new-regional-avatars|title=ETV re-branding to Colors|access-date=4 March 2015|archive-date=18 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218112043/http://www.bestmediainfo.com/2015/03/viacom18-extends-colors-franchise-with-5-new-regional-avatars|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Viacom's share acquisition (2018–2019)'''
The company also owns [[Viacom18 Studios]]. On 31 January 2018, TV18 announced its acquisition of Viacom's majority in the joint venture, taking operational control and leaving Viacom with a minority interest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.viacom18.com/media/tv18-to-increase-stake-to-51-percentage-in-viacom18-the-jv-withviacom-inc|title=TV18 to increase stake to 51% in Viacom18, the JV with Viacom Inc|date=31 January 2018|website=Viacom18|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713115247/https://www.viacom18.com/media/tv18-to-increase-stake-to-51-percentage-in-viacom18-the-jv-withviacom-inc|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 October 2019, Viacom18 launched Colors HD in [[Malaysia]] on [[Astro (television)|Astro Malaysia]]; every serial will be served with [[Malay language|Malay]] and English subtitles.{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}
The company signed a deal with the [[National Basketball Association]] in order to deliver live NBA games to all of their own networks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Viacom18 inks three-year media rights deal with NBA - Exchange4media|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/viacom18-inks-three-year-media-rights-deal-with-nba-117167.html|access-date=2021-12-04|website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media|date=3 December 2021 |language=en|archive-date=4 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204001130/https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/viacom18-inks-three-year-media-rights-deal-with-nba-117167.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


'''Viacom18 Media Private Limited''' is an Indian media company based in [[Mumbai|Mumbai, India]]. Founded as a joint venture between [[Network18 Group]]—a subsidiary of [[Reliance Industries]] since 2014, and [[Viacom (2005-2019)|Viacom]] (Now [[Paramount Global]]), the Network18 Group has been the majority shareholder in the company since April 2023, with [[Paramount Networks EMEAA]] and Bodhi Tree Systems owning minority stakes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/2011061512860/corporate-restructure-complete-for-indias-network18.html|title=Corporate restructure complete for India's Network18|publisher=rapidtvnews.com|access-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> It was founded in 2007 and owns various channels, as well as content production studios in India.
=== Attempted mergers with Sony and Zee, partnership with Bodhi Tree Systems (2020–2023) ===
In June 2020, [[Sony]]'s Indian unit [[Sony Pictures Networks]] entered talks with Viacom18 regarding a merger, though the discussions advanced much later. The merger was supposed to provided Sony with a 74% shareholder in the merged company.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-21|title=Sony to own 74% after merger with Viacom 18, to battle Disney Star|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/sony-to-own-74-after-merger-with-viacom-18-to-battle-disney-star|access-date=2022-01-27|website=National Herald|language=en|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074709/https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/sony-to-own-74-after-merger-with-viacom-18-to-battle-disney-star|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in October 2020, [[Reliance Industries]],<ref>{{Cite web|agency=PTI|date=Oct 5, 2020|title=Reliance Industries calls off merger of Viacom18 with Sony|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/reliance-industries-calls-off-merger-of-viacom18-with-sony/articleshow/78493163.cms|access-date=2022-01-27|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074709/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/reliance-industries-calls-off-merger-of-viacom18-with-sony/articleshow/78493163.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> the majority share holder in Viacom18, terminated the merger.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=2020-10-05|title=Sony's slated merger with Viacom18 now called off|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/sony-viacom18-merger-called-off-11601888757116.html|access-date=2022-01-27|website=mint|language=en|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122015750/https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/sony-viacom18-merger-called-off-11601888757116.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Jio {{!}} Mukesh Ambani: With Jio in mind, Mukesh Ambani's RIL calls off merger of Viacom18, Sony|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/post-rethink-ril-calls-off-merger-of-viacom18-sony/articleshow/78483506.cms|access-date=2022-01-27|website=The Economic Times|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074710/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/post-rethink-ril-calls-off-merger-of-viacom18-sony/articleshow/78483506.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>


== History ==
In June 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Laskar|first=Anirudh|date=2021-06-20|title=Viacom18 and Zee Entertainment in early merger talks|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/viacom18-and-zee-entertainment-in-early-merger-talks-11624212805434.html|access-date=2022-01-27|website=mint|language=en|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074708/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/viacom18-and-zee-entertainment-in-early-merger-talks-11624212805434.html|url-status=live}}</ref> reports stated Viacom18 and [[Zee Entertainment Enterprises]] were reportedly in talks about a merger.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-21|title=Viacom18 and Zeel eyeing a merger?|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/gecs/viacom18-and-zeel-eyeing-a-merger-210621|access-date=2022-01-27|website=Indian Television Dot Com|language=en|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074709/https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/gecs/viacom18-and-zeel-eyeing-a-merger-210621|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Zee denied any talks about a potential merger with Viacom18,<ref>{{Cite web|title=ZEEL denies any potential merger deal with Viacom18 - Exchange4media|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/zeel-denies-any-potential-merger-deal-with-viacom18-113705.html|access-date=2022-01-27|website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media|date=21 June 2021 |language=en|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074710/https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/zeel-denies-any-potential-merger-deal-with-viacom18-113705.html|url-status=live}}</ref> later entering talks with [[Sony Pictures Networks]], which was also in talks about a merger with Viacom18 earlier.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ZEEL starts due diligence process for merger with Sony Pictures Networks|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/zeel-starts-due-diligence-process-for-merger-with-sony-pictures-networks/2352817/|access-date=2022-01-27|website=The Financial Express|date=20 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074707/https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/zeel-starts-due-diligence-process-for-merger-with-sony-pictures-networks/2352817/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Early history and founding ===
 
In January 2010, Viacom18 went international with the launch of [[Colors TV|Colors]] in United States. The channel is called Aapka Colors. In July 2010, it got into 50/50 distribution joint venture with [[Sun Network]] to form Sun 18.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beefing Up The Bouquet|url=http://business.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?270571|publisher=business.outlookindia.com|access-date=10 August 2018}}</ref>
In January 2022, there were reports that Lupa India, an investment company set up by [[Uday Shankar (businessman)|Uday Shankar]] and [[James Murdoch]], were in the final stages of picking up a 39% stake in Viacom18.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gupta|first=Surajeet Das|date=2022-01-27|title=Uday Shankar, James Murdoch firm to pick up 39% stake in Viacom 18|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/uday-shankar-james-murdoch-firm-to-pick-up-39-stake-in-viacom-18-122012700024_1.html|access-date=2022-01-27|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127070939/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/uday-shankar-james-murdoch-firm-to-pick-up-39-stake-in-viacom-18-122012700024_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>  thereby turning Paramount Global into a minority shareholder with a 10% share in the company.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Laghate|first=Gaurav|title=Uday Shankar, James Murdoch plan to pick up nearly 40% in Viacom18, Reliance to retain majority stake|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/uday-shankar-james-murdoch-plan-to-pick-up-nearly-40-in-viacom18-reliance-to-retain-majority-stake/articleshow/89127603.cms|access-date=2022-01-27|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127074709/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/uday-shankar-james-murdoch-plan-to-pick-up-nearly-40-in-viacom18-reliance-to-retain-majority-stake/articleshow/89127603.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2022, Reliance announced that Bodhi Tree Systems, a company founded by Shankar and Murdoch with backing from the [[Qatar Investment Authority]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2022-02-09 |title=James Murdoch, Uday Shankar Set Bodhi Tree as $1.5 Billion Qatar-Backed Media Investment Venture |url=https://variety.com/2022/biz/global/james-murdoch-uday-shankar-set-bodhi-tree-1235176011/ |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530160615/https://variety.com/2022/biz/global/james-murdoch-uday-shankar-set-bodhi-tree-1235176011/ |url-status=live }}</ref> would make a US$1.8 billion investment in Viacom18 to "jointly build India's leading entertainment platform and pioneer the Indian media landscape's transformation to a 'streaming-first' approach." As part of the venture, [[JioCinema]]—a streaming service owned by Reliance's mobile operator [[Jio]]—would be brought under Viacom18. Paramount would remain a stakeholder and content partner. The deal was approved by the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI) in September 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=James Murdoch's Bodhi Tree, Reliance, Viacom18 Strike $2 Billion Deal to Create Giant Indian TV and Streaming Company|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Naman|last=Ramachandran|date=27 April 2022|access-date=20 May 2022|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/asia/james-murdoch-bodhi-tree-reliance-viacom18-2-billion-deal-1235242692/|archive-date=20 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520164853/https://variety.com/2022/tv/asia/james-murdoch-bodhi-tree-reliance-viacom18-2-billion-deal-1235242692/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=CCI approves merger of Jio Cinema OTT with Viacom18 Media |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/cci-approves-merger-of-jio-cinema-ott-with-viacom18-media/articleshow/94310448.cms |access-date=2022-12-20}}</ref> The sale was completed on 17 April 2023, with Bodhi Tree acquiring a 13.08% stake in the venture, and diluting Paramount Global's stake to 13.01%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=Bodhi Tree-Viacom18 deal: Why the new deal points towards Reliance's aggressive push in broadcasting business |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/bodhi-tree-viacom18-deal-why-the-new-deal-points-towards-reliances-aggressive-push-in-broadcasting-business-377624-2023-04-17 |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Business Today |language=en |archive-date=8 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508222316/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/bodhi-tree-viacom18-deal-why-the-new-deal-points-towards-reliances-aggressive-push-in-broadcasting-business-377624-2023-04-17 |url-status=live }}</ref>


In December 2011, Viacom18 launched [[Nickelodeon Sonic]], targeting young adults.<ref>{{cite web|date=5 December 2018|title=Viacom18 launches its new channel 'Sonic Nickelodeon' in India|url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Viacom18-launches-its-new-channel-sonic-in-India/5303665136|access-date=26 December 2018|publisher=[[India Infoline]]}}</ref>
=== Merger with Disney Star (2023–present) ===
In December 2023, it was announced that [[The Walt Disney Company India]] and Reliance had signed a non-binding term sheet for a merger. According to its terms, Reliance would hold 51% of the merged company in cash and stock, while Disney would own the remaining 49%. For purposes of the merger, a subsidiary of Viacom18 was going to be created to absorb [[Disney Star]] through a [[stock swap]],<ref name="Prasad">{{cite web |url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/reliance-disney-india-merge-streaming-tv-assets-to-create-rs-70-352-crore-media-powerhouse-5-key-highlights-11709129039923.html |title=Reliance, Disney India merge streaming, TV assets to create ₹70,352 crore media powerhouse; 5 key highlights |last=Prasad |first=Nikita |date=28 February 2024 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |access-date=29 February 2024 |archive-date=28 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228183321/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/reliance-disney-india-merge-streaming-tv-assets-to-create-rs-70-352-crore-media-powerhouse-5-key-highlights-11709129039923.html |url-status=live }}</ref> pending ratification and regulatory approval.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barman|first1=Arijit|last2=Farooqui|first2=Jaaved|title=Reliance, Disney ink non-binding agreement for mega merger|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/reliance-disney-ink-non-binding-agreement-for-mega-merger/articleshow/106255328.cms|access-date=27 December 2023|work=Economic Times|date=25 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226143513/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/reliance-disney-ink-non-binding-agreement-for-mega-merger/articleshow/106255328.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sinha|first1=Vaishnawi|title=Mukesh Ambani's Reliance-Disney Star deal explained: 10 points on mega-merger|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-disney-star-deal-explained-10-points-on-megamerger-101703494970189-amp.html|access-date=27 December 2023|work=Hindustan Times|date=25 December 2023|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227075320/https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-disney-star-deal-explained-10-points-on-megamerger-101703494970189-amp.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kaustubh|first1=Abhinav|title="We'd Like To Stay," Disney CEO On Hotstar's Alleged Sale To Reliance Jio, Adani Group|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/wed-like-to-stay-disney-ceo-on-hotstars-sale-to-reliance-jio-adani-group/articleshow/105090482.cms|access-date=27 December 2023|work=The Times of India|date=9 November 2023|archive-date=25 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225151622/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/wed-like-to-stay-disney-ceo-on-hotstars-sale-to-reliance-jio-adani-group/articleshow/105090482.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Akash|first1=Sreenivasan|title=What We Know About The $8.5 Billion Disney Merger With Reliance In India|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/02/28/what-we-know-about-the-85-billion-disney-merger-with-reliance-in-india/?sh=17d403e7e512|access-date=8 March 2024|archive-date=1 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301151022/https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/02/28/what-we-know-about-the-85-billion-disney-merger-with-reliance-in-india/?sh=17d403e7e512|url-status=live}}</ref>


In January 2014, TV18 acquired the non-[[Telugu language]] TV assets of [[ETV Network]] for ₹2,053 [[crore]], with a permission to use ETV brand name.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 January 2014 |title=Network18 finishes Rs 2,053-cr deal to acquire ETV stakes |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/network18-finishes-rs-2053-cr-deal-to-acquire-etv-stakes/articleshow/29215772.cms |access-date=2022-10-24}}</ref>
In February 2024, Disney and Reliance reached a deal to merge their streaming and television assets, with the joint venture valued at $8.5 billion including synergies. As part of the deal, Viacom18 would be merged into Disney Star with Disney holding a 36.84% stake in the combined entity, which would bring together assets such as linear television entertainment channels [[StarPlus]], [[Colors TV]] and the [[Star Gold Network]], sports channels [[Star Sports (Indian TV network)|Star Sports]] and [[Sports18]] and the streaming services [[JioCinema]] and [[Disney+ Hotstar]] with [[Nita Ambani]] serving as the chairperson of the joint venture, with [[Uday Shankar (businessman)|Uday Shankar]] serving as vice chairperson with the deal giving 16.34% to Reliance and 46.82% to Viacom18<ref name="Prasad"/> and is expected to close sometime in late 2024 or early 2025 pending regulatory approval.<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney And Reliance Clinch Joint Venture In India|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Jill|last=Goldsmith|date=28 February 2024|access-date=28 February 2024|url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/disney-star-reliance-india-joint-venture-in-india-1235840411/|archive-date=28 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228140644/https://deadline.com/2024/02/disney-star-reliance-india-joint-venture-in-india-1235840411/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reliance And Disney Announce Strategic Joint Venture To Bring Together The Most Compelling And Engaging Entertainment Brands In India |url=https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/ea700929-d4cd-43d9-8d05-a6d2553436e8.pdf |website=BSE India |access-date=8 March 2024 |archive-date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314121802/https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/ea700929-d4cd-43d9-8d05-a6d2553436e8.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>


In March 2015, Viacom18 decided to rebrand all five non-[[Telugu language]] ETV regional general entertainment channels. [[Colors Marathi|ETV Marathi]], [[Colors Gujarati|ETV Gujarati]], [[Colors Kannada|ETV Kannada]], [[Colors Bangla|ETV Bangla]], and [[ETV Odia]] were rebranded into [[Colors Marathi]], [[Colors Gujarati]], [[Colors Kannada]], [[Colors Bangla]], and [[Colors Odia]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bestmediainfo.com/2015/03/viacom18-extends-colors-franchise-with-5-new-regional-avatars|title= ETV re-branding to Colors|access-date=4 March 2015}}</ref>
In March 2024, it was reported that [[Paramount Global]] (now [[Paramount Skydance|Paramount Skydance Corporation]] as of August 2025) was looking to sell its 13.01% stake in Viacom18 to Reliance, which already owned a 73.91% share via [[TV18]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Paramount In Talks To Sell Stake In Viacom18 To Disney India Partner Reliance — Bloomberg|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Jesse|last=Whittock|date=7 March 2024|access-date=7 March 2024|url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/paramount-reliance-talks-viacom18-stake-india-1235848866/}}</ref> Although [[Bloomberg News]] reported that the deal was unlikely to close, the deal was confirmed a week later for $517 million, its closure subject to regulatory approval and the completion of the joint venture between Viacom18 and Disney. Paramount would, however, continue to license its content to the company.<ref>{{cite web|title=Paramount Global Sells Stake In Viacom18 To India's Reliance For $500 Million|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Jill|last=Goldsmith|date=13 March 2024|access-date=14 March 2024|url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/paramount-global-sells-viacom-18-stake-reliance-disney-star-1235857857/}}</ref>


The company also owns [[Viacom18 Motion Pictures|Viacom18 Studios]]. On 31 January 2018, TV18 announced its acquisition of Viacom's majority in the joint venture, taking operational control and leaving Viacom with minority interest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.viacom18.com/media/tv18-to-increase-stake-to-51-percentage-in-viacom18-the-jv-withviacom-inc|title=TV18 to increase stake to 51% in Viacom18, the JV with Viacom Inc|date=31 January 2018|website=Viacom18|access-date=31 January 2018}}</ref> On 1 October 2019, Viacom18 launched Colors HD in [[Malaysia]] on [[Astro (television)|Astro Malaysia]]; every serial will be served with [[Malay language|Malay]] and English subtitles.{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}
On May 14, 2024, It was reported the deal between Disney and Reliance was approved by [[National Company Law Tribunal]], with the JioCinema streaming service being moved to the Digital18 unit as part of the merger.<ref>{{cite web|title=NCLT approves merger process for Reliance's arm Viacom18 and Star India|first=Abhijeet|last=Kumar|date=14 May 2024|url=https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/nclt-approves-merger-process-for-reliance-s-arm-viacom18-and-star-india-124051700335_1.html|access-date=17 May 2024|archive-date=17 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517173722/https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/nclt-approves-merger-process-for-reliance-s-arm-viacom18-and-star-india-124051700335_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=NLCT sets the ball rolling on merger of Reliance's arm Viacom18 and Star India|url=https://m.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/nclt-sets-the-ball-rolling-on-merger-of-reliances-arm-viacom18-and-star-india/articleshow/110192337.cms|access-date=2024-05-17|website=The Economic Times|date=17 May 2024 |archive-date=17 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517174421/https://m.economictimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/nclt-sets-the-ball-rolling-on-merger-of-reliances-arm-viacom18-and-star-india/articleshow/110192337.cms|url-status=live |last1=Farooqui |first1=Javed |last2=Vyas |first2=Maulik }}</ref>


More recently, the company had signed a deal with the National Basketball Association in order to deliver live NBA games to all of their own networks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Viacom18 inks three-year media rights deal with NBA - Exchange4media|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/viacom18-inks-three-year-media-rights-deal-with-nba-117167.html|access-date=2021-12-04|website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media|language=en}}</ref>
On 28 August 2024, the CCI has approved the merger of Disney+ Hotstar with Viacom18.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2024-08-28 |title=CCI clears mega-deal involving the merger of media assets of RIL and Walt Disney |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/competition-commission-clears-merger-of-rils-media-assets-with-walt-disney/article68576729.ece |access-date=2024-08-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


=== Attempted mergers with Sony and Zee, partnership with Bodhi Tree Systems ===
On 28 September 2024, the Central government gave a nod to the transfer of the non-news and current affairs TV channels held by Viacom18 to Star India subject to conditions laid by the Competition Commission of India.
In June 2020, [[Sony]]'s Indian unit [[Culver Max Entertainment|Sony Pictures Networks India]] was in talks with Viacom18 about a merger, with the talks getting advanced much later. If the merger was successful, Sony would be 74% shareholder in the merged company.<ref>{{Cite web|last=IANS|date=2020-07-21|title=Sony to own 74% after merger with Viacom 18, to battle Disney Star|url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/sony-to-own-74-after-merger-with-viacom-18-to-battle-disney-star|access-date=2022-01-27|website=National Herald|language=en}}</ref> However, in October 2020, [[Reliance Industries]],<ref>{{Cite web|agency=PTI|date=Oct 5, 2020|title=Reliance Industries calls off merger of Viacom18 with Sony|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/reliance-industries-calls-off-merger-of-viacom18-with-sony/articleshow/78493163.cms|access-date=2022-01-27|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> the majority share holder in Viacom18, called off the merger.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=2020-10-05|title=Sony's slated merger with Viacom18 now called off|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/media/sony-viacom18-merger-called-off-11601888757116.html|access-date=2022-01-27|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Jio {{!}} Mukesh Ambani: With Jio in mind, Mukesh Ambani's RIL calls off merger of Viacom18, Sony|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/post-rethink-ril-calls-off-merger-of-viacom18-sony/articleshow/78483506.cms|access-date=2022-01-27|website=The Economic Times}}</ref>


In June 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Laskar|first=Anirudh|date=2021-06-20|title=Viacom18 and Zee Entertainment in early merger talks|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/viacom18-and-zee-entertainment-in-early-merger-talks-11624212805434.html|access-date=2022-01-27|website=mint|language=en}}</ref> reports stated Viacom18 and [[Zee Entertainment Enterprises]] were reportedly in talks about a merger.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-21|title=Viacom18 and Zeel eyeing a merger?|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/gecs/viacom18-and-zeel-eyeing-a-merger-210621|access-date=2022-01-27|website=Indian Television Dot Com|language=en}}</ref> However, Zee denied any talks about a potential merger with Viacom18,<ref>{{Cite web|title=ZEEL denies any potential merger deal with Viacom18 - Exchange4media|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/zeel-denies-any-potential-merger-deal-with-viacom18-113705.html|access-date=2022-01-27|website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media|language=en}}</ref> later entering talks with [[Culver Max Entertainment|Sony Pictures Networks India]], which was also in talks about a merger with Viacom18 earlier.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ZEEL starts due diligence process for merger with Sony Pictures Networks|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/zeel-starts-due-diligence-process-for-merger-with-sony-pictures-networks/2352817/|access-date=2022-01-27|website=The Financial Express|language=en}}</ref>
On 14 November 2024, Reliance Industries Limited issued a media release stating that the merger of Viacom18 with Disney Star had become effective.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-14 |title=RIL, Viacom18 and Disney complete merger to create a Rs 70,352 cr JV |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/ril-viacom18-and-disney-complete-merger-to-create-a-rs-70352-cr-jv/articleshow/115299610.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-11-14 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref name=radac/>


In January 2022, there were reports that Lupa India, an investment company set up by [[Uday Shankar (businessman)|Uday Shankar]] and [[James Murdoch]], were in the final stages of picking up a 39% stake in Viacom18.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gupta|first=Surajeet Das|date=2022-01-27|title=Uday Shankar, James Murdoch firm to pick up 39% stake in Viacom 18|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/uday-shankar-james-murdoch-firm-to-pick-up-39-stake-in-viacom-18-122012700024_1.html|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref>  thereby turning Paramount Global into a minority shareholder with a 10% share in the company.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Laghate|first=Gaurav|title=Uday Shankar, James Murdoch plan to pick up nearly 40% in Viacom18, Reliance to retain majority stake|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/uday-shankar-james-murdoch-plan-to-pick-up-nearly-40-in-viacom18-reliance-to-retain-majority-stake/articleshow/89127603.cms|access-date=2022-01-27}}</ref> In April 2022, Reliance announced that Bodhi Tree Systems, a company founded by Shankar and Murdoch with backing from the [[Qatar Investment Authority]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2022-02-09 |title=James Murdoch, Uday Shankar Set Bodhi Tree as $1.5 Billion Qatar-Backed Media Investment Venture |url=https://variety.com/2022/biz/global/james-murdoch-uday-shankar-set-bodhi-tree-1235176011/ |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> would make a US$1.8 billion investment in Viacom18 to "jointly build India’s leading entertainment platform and pioneer the Indian media landscape's transformation to a ‘streaming-first’ approach." As part of the venture, [[JioCinema]]—a streaming service owned by Reliance's mobile operator [[Jio]]—would be brought under Viacom18. Paramount would remain a stakeholder and content partner. The deal was approved by the [[Competition Commission of India]] (CCI) in September 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=James Murdoch's Bodhi Tree, Reliance, Viacom18 Strike $2 Billion Deal to Create Giant Indian TV and Streaming Company|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|first=Naman|last=Ramachandran|date=27 April 2022|access-date=20 May 2022|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/asia/james-murdoch-bodhi-tree-reliance-viacom18-2-billion-deal-1235242692/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=CCI approves merger of Jio Cinema OTT with Viacom18 Media |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/cci-approves-merger-of-jio-cinema-ott-with-viacom18-media/articleshow/94310448.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2022-12-20}}</ref> The sale was completed on 17 April 2023, with Bodhi Tree acquiring a 13.08% stake in the venture, and diluting Paramount Global's stake to 13.01%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=Bodhi Tree-Viacom18 deal: Why the new deal points towards Reliance's aggressive push in broadcasting business |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/corporate/story/bodhi-tree-viacom18-deal-why-the-new-deal-points-towards-reliances-aggressive-push-in-broadcasting-business-377624-2023-04-17 |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>
=== Post merger with Disney Star (2024–present) ===
On 30 December 2024, Viacom18 Media Private Limited became a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd. after the conversion of 24.61 crore CCPS into equity shares, raising Reliance's stake to 83.88 %. Previously, Reliance held a 70.49 % diluted interest, and Viacom18 was a material subsidiary of Network18. Following the restructuring, it came under the direct control of Reliance.<ref>{{Cite news |author=ET Online |date=31 December 2024 |title=Viacom18 becomes subsidiary of Reliance Industries |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/viacom18-becomes-subsidiary-of-reliance-industries/articleshow/116834176.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times}}</ref>


==Owned channels==
== Former channels ==
===On-air channels===
{{Update section|reason=Viacom18 channels have been transferred to JioStar|date=May 2025}}
Following are the distribution channels available from TV18:<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.viacom18.com/onair/| title=Our Channels - On Air| website=viacom18.com}}</ref>
=== On-air channels ===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:middle;"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="width:180pt; background:White;"|Channel
!style="width:430pt;background:Turquoise;"|Channel
!style="width:180pt; background:Violet;"|Launched
!style="width:105pt;background:Turquoise;"|Launched
!style="width:180pt; background:White;"|Language
!style="width:120pt;background:Turquoise;"|Language
!style="width:300pt; background:Violet;"|Category
!style="width:200pt;background:Turquoise;"|Category
!style="width:180pt; background:White;"|SD/HD availability
!style="width:105pt;background:Turquoise;"|SD/HD
!style="width:300pt; background:Violet;"|Notes
!style="width:750pt;background:Turquoise;"|Notes
|-
|-
|[[Colors TV]]
|[[Colors TV]]
|2008
|2008
|rowspan="8"|[[Hindi]]
| rowspan="6" |[[Hindi]]
|rowspan="2"|General Entertainment
|rowspan="2"|General Entertainment
|SD+HD
|SD+HD
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Rishtey (TV channel)#Colors Rishtey|Colors Rishtey]]
|[[Colors TV#Colors Rishtey|Colors Rishtey]]
|2014
|2014
|SD
|SD
| Previously Rishtey
| Previously Rishtey
|-
|[[MTV (Indian TV channel)|MTV]]
|1996
|Youth
| rowspan="2" |SD+HD
|Formerly ''MTV HD+''
|-
|-
|[[Colors Cineplex]]
|[[Colors Cineplex]]
|2016
|2016
|rowspan="3"|Movies
| rowspan="3" |Movies
|SD+HD
|Formerly ''Rishtey Cineplex (original)''
|Formerly ''Rishtey Cineplex (original)''
|-
|-
|Colors Cineplex Bollywood
|[[Colors Cineplex Bollywood]]
|2021
|2021
|rowspan="2"|SD
| rowspan="2" |SD
|
|
|-
|-
|[[Colors Cineplex Superhits]]
|[[Colors Cineplex#Colors Cineplex Superhits|Colors Cineplex Superhits]]
|2022
|2022
|Previously Rishtey Cineplex (relaunch)
|Previously ''Rishtey Cineplex (relaunch)''
|-
|[[MTV India|MTV]]
|1996
|Youth
|rowspan="2"|SD+HD
|Formerly ''[[MTV (Indian TV channel)|MTV HD+]]''
|-
|[[MTV Beats]]
|2016
|Music
|Formerly ''[[MTV (Indian TV channel)|Pepsi MTV Indies]]''
|-
|[[Sports18|Sports18 Khel]]
|2022
|Sports
|SD
|rowspan="9"|
|-
|-
|[[Colors Infinity]]
|[[Colors Infinity]]
|2015
|2015
|rowspan="4"|[[English language|English]]
|[[English language|English]]
|rowspan="2"|General Entertainment
|General Entertainment
|rowspan="4"|SD+HD
|SD+HD
|-
| rowspan="5" |
|[[Comedy Central (Indian TV channel)|Comedy Central]]
|2012
|-
|[[VH1 India|VH1]]
|2005
|Music
|-
|[[Sports18|Sports18 1]]
|2022
|Sports
|-
|-
|[[Nickelodeon (Indian TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]
|[[Nickelodeon (Indian TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]
|1999
|1999
|rowspan="2"|[[Hindi]]<br />[[Tamil language|Tamil]]<br />[[Telugu language|Telugu]]<br />[[Malayalam]]<br />[[Bengali language|Bengali]]<br />[[Marathi language|Marathi]]<br />[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]<br />[[Kannada]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Hindi]]<br />[[Tamil language|Tamil]]<br />[[Telugu language|Telugu]]<br />[[Malayalam]]<br />[[Bengali language|Bengali]]<br />[[Marathi language|Marathi]]<br />[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]<br />[[Kannada]]
|rowspan="4"|Kids
| rowspan="4" |Kids
|rowspan="3"|SD
| rowspan="3" |SD
|-
|-
|[[Nickelodeon Sonic]]
|[[Sonic (Indian TV channel)|Sonic]]
|2011
|2011
|-
|-
|[[Nick Jr. (India)|Nick Jr.]]
|[[Nick Jr. (Indian TV channel)|Nick Jr.]]
|2012
|2012
|rowspan="2"|[[Hindi]]<br />[[English language|English]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Hindi]]<br />[[English language|English]]
|-
|-
|[[Nickelodeon HD+|Nick HD+]]
|[[Nickelodeon (Indian TV channel)#Nick HD+|Nickelodeon HD+]]
|2015
|2015
|HD
|HD
Line 128: Line 143:
|[[Colors Bangla]]
|[[Colors Bangla]]
|2000
|2000
|rowspan="2"|[[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|General Entertainment
|General Entertainment
|SD+HD
|SD+HD
|Previously known as ''[[Colors Bangla|ETV Bangla]]''
|Previously known as ''ETV Bangla''
|-
|-
|[[Colors Bangla Cinema]]
|[[Colors Bangla#Colors Bangla Cinema|Colors Bangla Cinema]]
|2019
|2019
|Movies
|Movies
|rowspan="3"|SD
| rowspan="3" |SD
|
|
|-
|-
Line 143: Line 158:
|rowspan="2"|[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
|rowspan="2"|[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
|General Entertainment
|General Entertainment
|Previously known as ''[[Colors Gujarati|ETV Gujarati]]''
|Previously known as ''ETV Gujarati''
|-
|-
|[[Colors Gujarati Cinema]]
|[[Colors Gujarati#Colors Gujarati Cinema|Colors Gujarati Cinema]]
|2019
|2019
|Movies
|Movies
Line 153: Line 168:
|2000
|2000
|[[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|[[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|rowspan="4"|General Entertainment  
| rowspan="4" |General Entertainment
|SD+HD
| rowspan="3" |SD+HD
|Previously known as ''[[Colors Marathi|ETV Marathi]]''
|Previously known as ''ETV Marathi''
|-
|-
|[[Colors Odia]]
|[[Colors Tamil]]
|2002
|2018
|[[Odia language|Odia]]
|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|SD
|
|Previously known as ''[[ETV Network|ETV Odia]]''
|-
|-
|[[Colors Kannada]]
|[[Colors Kannada]]
|2000
|2000
|rowspan="3"|[[Kannada]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Kannada]]
|SD+HD
|Previously known as ''ETV Kannada''
|Previously known as ''[[Colors Kannada|ETV Kannada]]''
|-
|-
|[[Colors Super]]
|[[Colors Kannada#Colors Super|Colors Super]]
|2016
|2016
|rowspan="2"|SD
|rowspan="2"|SD
|rowspan="3"|
|rowspan="2"|  
|-
|-
|[[Colors Kannada Cinema]]
|[[Colors Kannada#Colors Kannada Cinema|Colors Kannada Cinema]]
|rowspan="2"|2018
|2018
|Movies
|Movies
|}
=== Defunct channels ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!style="width:430pt;background:Turquoise;"|Channel
!style="width:105pt;background:Turquoise;"|Launched
!style="width:105pt;background:Turquoise;"|Defunct
!style="width:120pt;background:Turquoise;"|Language
!style="width:200pt;background:Turquoise;"|Category
!style="width:105pt;background:Turquoise;"|SD/HD
!style="width:750pt;background:Turquoise;"|Notes
|-
|[[MTV Beats]]
|2016
|rowspan="7" |2025
| rowspan="2" |[[Hindi]]
| Music
|SD+HD
|Formerly ''MTV Indies''
|-
|-
|[[Colors Tamil]]
|[[Sports18|Sports18 Khel]]
|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|2022
|Sports
|SD
|Replaced by ''[[Star Sports (India)|Star Sports Khel]]''
|-
|[[Comedy Central (India)|Comedy Central]]
|2012
| rowspan="5" |[[English language|English]]
|General Entertainment
|General Entertainment
|SD+HD
| rowspan="3" |SD+HD
|}
|
 
===Upcoming channels===
{|class="wikitable"
! Channel
! Launching date
! Language
! Genre
! Availability
|-
|-
|[[Colors Next]]
|[[VH1 (India)|VH1]]
| rowspan="2" |TBA
|2005
|Hindi
|Music
|GEC
|
| rowspan="4" |SD
|-
|-
|Colors Studio
|[[Sports18|Sports18 1]]
|rowspan="3"|[[English language|English]]
|2022
|Movies
| rowspan="3" |Sports
|Replaced by ''[[Star Sports (India)|Star Sports 2 Hindi]]''
|-
|-
| Sports18 2
|[[Sports18|Sports18 2]]
| rowspan="2" |November 1, 2023
| rowspan="2" |2023
| rowspan="2" | Sports
| rowspan="2" |SD
|Replaced by ''[[Star Sports (India)|Star Sports 2 Telugu]]''
|-
|-
|Sports18 3
|[[Sports18|Sports18 3]]
|}
|Replaced by ''[[Star Sports (India)|Star Sports 2 Tamil]]''
 
=== Other channels ===
{| class= "wikitable"
! Channel
! Launched
! Genre
! Language
! Notes
|-
|-
| Colors Telugu
|[[FYI (American TV channel)#International versions of Bio and FYI|FYI TV18]]
| 22 September 2019
|2016
| Entertainment
|2020
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|[[Hindi]]<br>[[English language|English]]
| Only available on JioCinema
|Lifestyle
|SD+HD
|
|-
|-
|}
|[[Colors Odia]]
|2002
|2025
|[[Odia language|Odia]]
|General Entertainment
|SD
|Previously known as ''ETV Odia''
|}</onlyinclude>


==See also==
== See also ==
*[[Paramount International Networks]]
* [[Paramount International Networks]]
**[[Paramount Networks EMEAA]]
* [[Paramount Networks EMEAA]]
*[[Network18 Group]]
* [[Network18 Group]]
* [[Reliance Industries]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs="Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd". Viacom18.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
{{Reflist}}
"TV18 Broadcast Ltd (CRD)" (PDF). BSEIndia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 September 2015.
"Corporate restructure complete for India's Network18". rapidtvnews.com. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
"Beefing Up The Bouquet". business.outlookindia.com. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
"Viacom18 launches its new channel 'sonic' in India". India Infoline. 5 December 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
"TV18 to increase stake to 51% in Viacom18, the JV with Viacom Inc". Viacom18. 31 January 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
"Our Channels - On Air". viacom18.com.
https://bestmediainfo.com/2019/09/colors-telugu-goes- digital-first-to-launch-on-voot-on-sept-23/
https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/viacom18-goes-digital-first-launches-colors- telugu-on-voot/71187480}}


==External links==
[[Category:Mass media companies of India]]
*[http://www.viacom18.com Official Site]
[[Category:Television broadcasting companies of India]]
 
[[Category:Indian companies established in 2007]]
{{Network 18}}
[[Category:Companies based in Mumbai]]
{{ViacomCBS}}
[[Category:Reliance Industries subsidiaries]]
 
[[Category:Former joint ventures]]
[[Category:Viacom 18| ]]
[[Category:Television stations in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Mass media companies based in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Network18 Group]]
[[Category:Paramount International Networks]]
[[Category:Television production companies of India]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 2007]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 2007]]
[[Category:Indian companies established in 2007]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies of India]]
[[Category:Multinational joint-venture companies]]
[[Category:Paramount Global]]
[[Category:Indian subsidiaries of foreign companies]]
[[Category:Television networks in India]]
[[Category:2007 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Viacom18| ]]

Latest revision as of 10:09, 30 March 2026


Viacom18 Media Private Limited
Traded asViacom18
IndustryMedia conglomerate
FateTransferred all its assets to Disney Star and became a shareholder in the new entity JioStar with 46.82% stake
SuccessorJioStar
Founded16 November 2007; 18 years ago (2007-11-16)
Defunct14 November 2024; 20 months ago (2024-11-14)
HeadquartersLower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India[1]
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Kevin Vaz (CEO – Entertainment)
  • Kiran Mani (CEO – Digital)
  • Sanjog Gupta (CEO – Sports)
Owners
Websiteviacom18.com

Viacom18 Media Private Limited was an Indian media conglomerate. It was a subsidiary of Reliance Industries with a minority stake owned by Bodhi Tree Systems. It owned television channels and a film production studio in India. Following the merger of its assets with Disney Star, it is the largest shareholder in the newly formed merged entity JioStar with a 46.82% stake.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

Founding and early years (2007–2011)[edit | edit source]

Viacom18 was founded in 2007 as a joint venture between Network18 Group and Viacom.

In January 2010, Viacom18 went international with the launch of Colors in the United States. The channel is called Aapka Colors. In July 2010, it entered into 50/50 distribution joint venture with Sun Network, to form Sun 18.[3]

In December 2011, Viacom18 launched Nickelodeon Sonic, targeting children.[4]

ETV Network acquisition and rebranding (2014–2015)

On 22 January 2014, TV18 acquired the non-Telugu language TV assets of ETV Network for ₹2,053 crore, with permission to use the ETV brand name.[5]

In March 2015, Viacom18 decided to rebrand all five non-Telugu language ETV regional general entertainment channels. ETV Marathi, ETV Gujarati, ETV Kannada, ETV Bangla, and ETV Odia were rebranded into Colors Marathi, Colors Gujarati, Colors Kannada, Colors Bangla, and Colors Odia respectively.[6]

Viacom's share acquisition (2018–2019)

The company also owns Viacom18 Studios. On 31 January 2018, TV18 announced its acquisition of Viacom's majority in the joint venture, taking operational control and leaving Viacom with a minority interest.[7] On 1 October 2019, Viacom18 launched Colors HD in Malaysia on Astro Malaysia; every serial will be served with Malay and English subtitles.[citation needed]

The company signed a deal with the National Basketball Association in order to deliver live NBA games to all of their own networks.[8]

Attempted mergers with Sony and Zee, partnership with Bodhi Tree Systems (2020–2023)[edit | edit source]

In June 2020, Sony's Indian unit Sony Pictures Networks entered talks with Viacom18 regarding a merger, though the discussions advanced much later. The merger was supposed to provided Sony with a 74% shareholder in the merged company.[9] However, in October 2020, Reliance Industries,[10] the majority share holder in Viacom18, terminated the merger.[11][12]

In June 2021,[13] reports stated Viacom18 and Zee Entertainment Enterprises were reportedly in talks about a merger.[14] However, Zee denied any talks about a potential merger with Viacom18,[15] later entering talks with Sony Pictures Networks, which was also in talks about a merger with Viacom18 earlier.[16]

In January 2022, there were reports that Lupa India, an investment company set up by Uday Shankar and James Murdoch, were in the final stages of picking up a 39% stake in Viacom18.[17] thereby turning Paramount Global into a minority shareholder with a 10% share in the company.[18] In April 2022, Reliance announced that Bodhi Tree Systems, a company founded by Shankar and Murdoch with backing from the Qatar Investment Authority,[19] would make a US$1.8 billion investment in Viacom18 to "jointly build India's leading entertainment platform and pioneer the Indian media landscape's transformation to a 'streaming-first' approach." As part of the venture, JioCinema—a streaming service owned by Reliance's mobile operator Jio—would be brought under Viacom18. Paramount would remain a stakeholder and content partner. The deal was approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in September 2022.[20][21] The sale was completed on 17 April 2023, with Bodhi Tree acquiring a 13.08% stake in the venture, and diluting Paramount Global's stake to 13.01%.[22]

Merger with Disney Star (2023–present)[edit | edit source]

In December 2023, it was announced that The Walt Disney Company India and Reliance had signed a non-binding term sheet for a merger. According to its terms, Reliance would hold 51% of the merged company in cash and stock, while Disney would own the remaining 49%. For purposes of the merger, a subsidiary of Viacom18 was going to be created to absorb Disney Star through a stock swap,[23] pending ratification and regulatory approval.[24][25][26][27]

In February 2024, Disney and Reliance reached a deal to merge their streaming and television assets, with the joint venture valued at $8.5 billion including synergies. As part of the deal, Viacom18 would be merged into Disney Star with Disney holding a 36.84% stake in the combined entity, which would bring together assets such as linear television entertainment channels StarPlus, Colors TV and the Star Gold Network, sports channels Star Sports and Sports18 and the streaming services JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar with Nita Ambani serving as the chairperson of the joint venture, with Uday Shankar serving as vice chairperson with the deal giving 16.34% to Reliance and 46.82% to Viacom18[23] and is expected to close sometime in late 2024 or early 2025 pending regulatory approval.[28][29]

In March 2024, it was reported that Paramount Global (now Paramount Skydance Corporation as of August 2025) was looking to sell its 13.01% stake in Viacom18 to Reliance, which already owned a 73.91% share via TV18.[30] Although Bloomberg News reported that the deal was unlikely to close, the deal was confirmed a week later for $517 million, its closure subject to regulatory approval and the completion of the joint venture between Viacom18 and Disney. Paramount would, however, continue to license its content to the company.[31]

On May 14, 2024, It was reported the deal between Disney and Reliance was approved by National Company Law Tribunal, with the JioCinema streaming service being moved to the Digital18 unit as part of the merger.[32][33]

On 28 August 2024, the CCI has approved the merger of Disney+ Hotstar with Viacom18.[34]

On 28 September 2024, the Central government gave a nod to the transfer of the non-news and current affairs TV channels held by Viacom18 to Star India subject to conditions laid by the Competition Commission of India.

On 14 November 2024, Reliance Industries Limited issued a media release stating that the merger of Viacom18 with Disney Star had become effective.[35][2]

Post merger with Disney Star (2024–present)[edit | edit source]

On 30 December 2024, Viacom18 Media Private Limited became a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd. after the conversion of 24.61 crore CCPS into equity shares, raising Reliance's stake to 83.88 %. Previously, Reliance held a 70.49 % diluted interest, and Viacom18 was a material subsidiary of Network18. Following the restructuring, it came under the direct control of Reliance.[36]

Former channels[edit | edit source]

On-air channels[edit | edit source]

Channel Launched Language Category SD/HD Notes
Colors TV 2008 Hindi General Entertainment SD+HD
Colors Rishtey 2014 SD Previously Rishtey
MTV 1996 Youth SD+HD Formerly MTV HD+
Colors Cineplex 2016 Movies Formerly Rishtey Cineplex (original)
Colors Cineplex Bollywood 2021 SD
Colors Cineplex Superhits 2022 Previously Rishtey Cineplex (relaunch)
Colors Infinity 2015 English General Entertainment SD+HD
Nickelodeon 1999 Hindi
Tamil
Telugu
Malayalam
Bengali
Marathi
Gujarati
Kannada 		Kids SD
Sonic 2011
Nick Jr. 2012 Hindi
English
Nickelodeon HD+ 2015 HD
Colors Bangla 2000 Bengali General Entertainment SD+HD Previously known as ETV Bangla
Colors Bangla Cinema 2019 Movies SD
Colors Gujarati 2002 Gujarati General Entertainment Previously known as ETV Gujarati
Colors Gujarati Cinema 2019 Movies
Colors Marathi 2000 Marathi General Entertainment SD+HD Previously known as ETV Marathi
Colors Tamil 2018 Tamil
Colors Kannada 2000 Kannada Previously known as ETV Kannada
Colors Super 2016 SD
Colors Kannada Cinema 2018 Movies

Defunct channels[edit | edit source]

Channel Launched Defunct Language Category SD/HD Notes
MTV Beats 2016 2025 Hindi Music SD+HD Formerly MTV Indies
Sports18 Khel 2022 Sports SD Replaced by Star Sports Khel
Comedy Central 2012 English General Entertainment SD+HD
VH1 2005 Music
Sports18 1 2022 Sports Replaced by Star Sports 2 Hindi
Sports18 2 2023 SD Replaced by Star Sports 2 Telugu
Sports18 3 Replaced by Star Sports 2 Tamil
FYI TV18 2016 2020 Hindi
English 		Lifestyle SD+HD
Colors Odia 2002 2025 Odia General Entertainment SD Previously known as ETV Odia

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd". Viacom18.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Reliance And Disney Announce Completion Of Transaction To Form Joint Venture To Bring Together The Most Iconic And Engaging Entertainment Brands In India" (PDF).
  3. ↑ "Beefing Up The Bouquet". business.outlookindia.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  4. ↑ "Viacom18 launches its new channel 'Sonic Nickelodeon' in India". India Infoline. 5 December 2018. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
  5. ↑ "Network18 finishes Rs 2,053-cr deal to acquire ETV stakes". The Economic Times. 22 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  6. ↑ "ETV re-branding to Colors". Archived from the original on 18 February 2016. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
  7. ↑ "TV18 to increase stake to 51% in Viacom18, the JV with Viacom Inc". Viacom18. 31 January 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  8. ↑ "Viacom18 inks three-year media rights deal with NBA - Exchange4media". Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media. 3 December 2021. Archived from the original on 4 December 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  9. ↑ "Sony to own 74% after merger with Viacom 18, to battle Disney Star". National Herald. 21 July 2020. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  10. ↑ "Reliance Industries calls off merger of Viacom18 with Sony". The Times of India. PTI. 5 October 2020. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  11. ↑ Jha, Lata (5 October 2020). "Sony's slated merger with Viacom18 now called off". mint. Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  12. ↑ "Jio | Mukesh Ambani: With Jio in mind, Mukesh Ambani's RIL calls off merger of Viacom18, Sony". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  13. ↑ Laskar, Anirudh (20 June 2021). "Viacom18 and Zee Entertainment in early merger talks". mint. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  14. ↑ "Viacom18 and Zeel eyeing a merger?". Indian Television Dot Com. 21 June 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  15. ↑ "ZEEL denies any potential merger deal with Viacom18 - Exchange4media". Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media. 21 June 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  16. ↑ "ZEEL starts due diligence process for merger with Sony Pictures Networks". The Financial Express. 20 October 2021. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  17. ↑ Gupta, Surajeet Das (27 January 2022). "Uday Shankar, James Murdoch firm to pick up 39% stake in Viacom 18". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  18. ↑ Laghate, Gaurav. "Uday Shankar, James Murdoch plan to pick up nearly 40% in Viacom18, Reliance to retain majority stake". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  19. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (9 February 2022). "James Murdoch, Uday Shankar Set Bodhi Tree as $1.5 Billion Qatar-Backed Media Investment Venture". Variety. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  20. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (27 April 2022). "James Murdoch's Bodhi Tree, Reliance, Viacom18 Strike $2 Billion Deal to Create Giant Indian TV and Streaming Company". Variety. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  21. ↑ "CCI approves merger of Jio Cinema OTT with Viacom18 Media". The Economic Times. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  22. ↑ "Bodhi Tree-Viacom18 deal: Why the new deal points towards Reliance's aggressive push in broadcasting business". Business Today. 17 April 2023. Archived from the original on 8 May 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Prasad, Nikita (28 February 2024). "Reliance, Disney India merge streaming, TV assets to create ₹70,352 crore media powerhouse; 5 key highlights". Mint. Archived from the original on 28 February 2024. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  24. ↑ Barman, Arijit; Farooqui, Jaaved (25 December 2023). "Reliance, Disney ink non-binding agreement for mega merger". Economic Times. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  25. ↑ Sinha, Vaishnawi (25 December 2023). "Mukesh Ambani's Reliance-Disney Star deal explained: 10 points on mega-merger". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  26. ↑ Kaustubh, Abhinav (9 November 2023). ""We'd Like To Stay," Disney CEO On Hotstar's Alleged Sale To Reliance Jio, Adani Group". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  27. ↑ Akash, Sreenivasan. "What We Know About The $8.5 Billion Disney Merger With Reliance In India". Archived from the original on 1 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  28. ↑ Goldsmith, Jill (28 February 2024). "Disney And Reliance Clinch Joint Venture In India". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 28 February 2024. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  29. ↑ "Reliance And Disney Announce Strategic Joint Venture To Bring Together The Most Compelling And Engaging Entertainment Brands In India" (PDF). BSE India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  30. ↑ Whittock, Jesse (7 March 2024). "Paramount In Talks To Sell Stake In Viacom18 To Disney India Partner Reliance — Bloomberg". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  31. ↑ Goldsmith, Jill (13 March 2024). "Paramount Global Sells Stake In Viacom18 To India's Reliance For $500 Million". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  32. ↑ Kumar, Abhijeet (14 May 2024). "NCLT approves merger process for Reliance's arm Viacom18 and Star India". Archived from the original on 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  33. ↑ Farooqui, Javed; Vyas, Maulik (17 May 2024). "NLCT sets the ball rolling on merger of Reliance's arm Viacom18 and Star India". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  34. ↑ PTI (28 August 2024). "CCI clears mega-deal involving the merger of media assets of RIL and Walt Disney". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  35. ↑ "RIL, Viacom18 and Disney complete merger to create a Rs 70,352 cr JV". The Economic Times. 14 November 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  36. ↑ ET Online (31 December 2024). "Viacom18 becomes subsidiary of Reliance Industries". The Economic Times.
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