Network18 has officially extended its flagship licensing and brand partnership with CNN International for another 10 years. This landmark renewal ensures that the collaboration for the English news channel, CNN-News18, will continue until December 31, 2035, marking three decades of one of India’s most enduring media alliances.

The partnership, which first began in 2005 and was previously renewed in 2015, is now pivoting toward a “digital-first” future. As the channel enters this new phase, the focus will sharpen on global digital expansion and the rapidly growing Connected TV (CTV) landscape.

A core pillar of the renewed agreement is the ambition to scale CNN-News18’s presence far beyond Indian borders. The network plans to leverage platforms like YouTube and international CTV interfaces to reach global audiences, ensuring high-quality Indian news is accessible across diverse geographies and devices.

“This renewed partnership represents a landmark, one-of-a-kind collaboration in global news,” said Rahul Joshi, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Network18 Group. “The alliance will now open doors to new growth avenues, particularly through digital and connected TV platforms.”

The renewal comes at a time when global developments increasingly impact local livelihoods. By combining CNN’s massive international news-gathering network with Network18’s deep local credibility, CNN-News18 offers viewers a unique “glocal” perspective.

To complement this strategic shift, the channel recently unveiled a refreshed on-air look. All content is now produced to be inherently TV- and digital-ready, supporting the “On Your Side” brand promise with a contemporary, stylish aesthetic.

Phil Nelson, Executive Vice President of CNN International Commercial (part of Warner Bros. Discovery), emphasized that strong affiliate partnerships remain central to CNN’s global model.

Looking forward, Network18 is committed to heavy investments in:

• Digital Infrastructure: Scaling cloud-based delivery for international streaming.
• Technological Innovation: Enhancing news-gathering tech at their state-of-the-art New Delhi facility.
• Editorial Excellence: Strengthening bureaus nationwide to maintain leadership in the English news genre.

Key Highlights:

• 10-Year Extension: The licensing deal between Network18 and CNN International for CNN-News18 has been renewed until 2035.
• Digital & CTV Focus: The next decade will prioritize global expansion through YouTube, social platforms, and Connected TV devices.
• Third Decade of Alliance: Having started in 2005, this partnership remains a cornerstone of the Indian media landscape, blending global editorial strength with local reach.
• Modernized Delivery: The channel has refreshed its visual identity and production workflow to ensure all content is optimized for cross-platform viewing.