{{Short description|Indian media venture}} {{copy edit|date=September 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}} {{Infobox company | name = Viacom18 Media Private Limited | logo = Logo of the Viacom18.svg | logo_size = 270px | logo_caption = Final logo, used from 2007 to 2025 | type = Joint venture | traded_as = Viacom18 | industry = Media conglomerate | foundation = {{start date and age|2007|df=y}} | defunct = {{End date and age|2024|df=y}} | fate = Transferred all its assets to Disney Star and became a shareholder in the new entity JioStar with 46.82% stake | successor = JioStar | 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 (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.
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.<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 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.<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 Malaysia; every serial will be served with 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>
=== Attempted mergers with Sony and Z (Formerly known as 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>
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, Z (formerly 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>
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.<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|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>
=== 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 |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 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<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 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.<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>
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>
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>
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.<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/>
=== 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>
== Former channels == {{Update section|reason=Viacom18 channels have been transferred to JioStar|date=May 2025}} === On-air channels === {| class="wikitable sortable" !style="width:430pt;background:Turquoise;"|Channel !style="width:105pt;background:Turquoise;"|Launched !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 |- |Colors TV |2008 | rowspan="6" |Hindi |rowspan="2"|General Entertainment |SD+HD | |- |Colors Rishtey |2014 |SD | Previously Rishtey |- |MTV |1996 |Youth | rowspan="2" |SD+HD |Formerly ''MTV HD+'' |- |Colors Cineplex |2016 | rowspan="3" |Movies |Formerly ''Rishtey Cineplex (original)'' |- |Colors Cineplex Bollywood |2021 | rowspan="2" |SD | |- |Colors Cineplex Superhits |2022 |Previously ''Rishtey Cineplex (relaunch)'' |- |Colors Infinity |2015 |English |General Entertainment |SD+HD | rowspan="5" | |- |Nickelodeon |1999 | rowspan="2" |Hindi<br />Tamil<br />Telugu<br />Malayalam<br />Bengali<br />Marathi<br />Gujarati<br />Kannada | rowspan="4" |Kids | rowspan="3" |SD |- |Sonic |2011 |- |Nick Jr. |2012 |rowspan="2"|Hindi<br />English |- |Nickelodeon HD+ |2015 |HD |- |Colors Bangla |2000 | rowspan="2" |Bengali |General Entertainment |SD+HD |Previously known as ''ETV Bangla'' |- |Colors Bangla Cinema |2019 |Movies | rowspan="3" |SD | |- |Colors Gujarati |2002 |rowspan="2"|Gujarati |General Entertainment |Previously known as ''ETV Gujarati'' |- |Colors Gujarati Cinema |2019 |Movies | |- |Colors Marathi |2000 |Marathi | rowspan="4" |General Entertainment | rowspan="3" |SD+HD |Previously known as ''ETV Marathi'' |- |Colors Tamil |2018 |Tamil | |- |Colors Kannada |2000 |rowspan="3"|Kannada |Previously known as ''ETV Kannada'' |- |Colors Super |2016 |rowspan="2"|SD |rowspan="2"| |- |Colors Kannada Cinema |2018 |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'' |- |Sports18 Khel |2022 |Sports |SD |Replaced by ''Star Sports Khel'' |- |Comedy Central |2012 | rowspan="5" |English |General Entertainment | rowspan="3" |SD+HD | |- |VH1 |2005 |Music | |- |Sports18 1 |2022 | rowspan="3" |Sports |Replaced by ''Star Sports 2 Hindi'' |- |Sports18 2 | rowspan="2" |2023 | rowspan="2" |SD |Replaced by ''Star Sports 2 Telugu'' |- |Sports18 3 |Replaced by ''Star Sports 2 Tamil'' |- |FYI TV18 |2016 |2020 |Hindi<br>English |Lifestyle |SD+HD | |- |Colors Odia |2002 |2025 |Odia |General Entertainment |SD |Previously known as ''ETV Odia'' |}</onlyinclude>
== See also == * Paramount International Networks * Paramount Networks EMEAA * Network18 Group * Reliance Industries
== References == {{Reflist}}
Category:Mass media companies of India Category:Television broadcasting companies of India Category:Indian companies established in 2007 Category:Companies based in Mumbai Category:Reliance Industries subsidiaries Category:Former joint ventures Category:Mass media companies established in 2007 Category:Entertainment companies of India Category:Paramount Global Category:Television networks in India Category:Viacom18