The eagerly awaited merger between The Walt Disney Company’s Disney Star and Reliance Industries’ Viacom18 is now in its final stages, with the new entity, Jio Star, set to transform India’s media and entertainment scene. Sources report that the merger could be finalized this week, consolidating assets from both companies under Reliance’s control and creating a powerhouse to challenge leading media players.
Operational integrations are underway, with teams already setting up new email domains, restructuring departments, and migrating units to Viacom18. A new website, Jiostar.com, has launched with a “Coming Soon” message, signaling the public debut of Jio Star.
According to an Elara Capital report, Jio Star is expected to control 42% of India’s TV market and 34% of the OTT space, giving it a significant advantage. Additionally, the joint venture will dominate the sports broadcasting sector, controlling 85% of television and digital sports content. This strategic merger, bolstered by Reliance’s vast distribution network through Jio Mobile and Jio Fiber, positions Jio Star as a formidable competitor to global streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and SonyLIV.
The merger has also sparked leadership changes, with executives like K Madhavan, Sajith Sivanandan, and Gurjeev Singh Kapoor leaving, signaling a new direction for Jio Star. Reliance’s ₹1,500 crore investment and its telecom expertise are expected to accelerate growth and disrupt India’s entertainment landscape.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger, but with conditions to maintain fair competition, including the divestment of certain channels and restrictions on bundling ad rates for cricket events.
Key Highlights:
- Disney Star and Viacom18’s merger is finalizing, with Jio Star set to debut soon.
- The venture will dominate 42% of India’s TV market and 34% of the OTT space.
- Jio Star will have an 85% share of sports broadcasting across platforms.
- Leadership changes signal a new era at Jio Star as it aims to compete with global streaming services.