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Reliance Industries’ (RIL) transfer of non-news and current affairs TV channels to Star India Private Limited has been approved by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
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The RIL-Disney merger, valued at ₹70,350 crore, will create a major player in India’s entertainment market, competing with Netflix, Sony, and Amazon.
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The combined entity will offer 120 TV channels and two streaming platforms, with Reliance holding a 56% stake.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has given the green light to Reliance Industries Limited’s (RIL) transfer of non-news and current affairs TV channels to Star India Private Limited. This move is part of RIL’s joint venture with Disney, announced earlier this year, aiming to consolidate key entertainment brands under one umbrella in India ¹.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai bench have already approved the ₹70,350 crore merger of RIL and Disney’s Indian media assets. This alliance is set to challenge major competitors like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon, with the combined entity offering a vast library of content.
Leadership and Stakeholders:
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Nita Ambani: Chairperson of the newly formed entity and Reliance Foundation.
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Uday Shankar: Vice-chairperson and former head of Star India.
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Akash Ambani: Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm and newly joined Viacom18 board member.
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James Murdoch and Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hardan: Investors in Bodhi Tree Systems, a minority stakeholder in Viacom18.
The merged entity will emerge as a leading player in India’s entertainment market, with Reliance holding a 56% stake, Walt Disney owning 37%, and Bodhi Tree Systems holding 7%. The boards of Star India and Viacom18 are expected to meet soon to finalize the effective date of the merger ¹.
