# Viacom18
> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Viacom18
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Viacom18.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viacom18
> Source revision: 1356710887
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
{{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](/source/Joint_venture)
| traded_as = Viacom18
| industry = [Media conglomerate](/source/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](/source/JioStar) with 46.82% stake
| successor = [JioStar](/source/JioStar)
| location = [Lower Parel](/source/Lower_Parel), [Mumbai](/source/Mumbai), [Maharashtra](/source/Maharashtra), [India](/source/India)[{{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 }}]
| key_people = *Kevin Vaz ([CEO](/source/Chief_executive_officer) – Entertainment)
* Kiran Mani (CEO – Digital)
* Sanjog Gupta (CEO – Sports)
| area_served = Worldwide
| owners = {{ubl|
[Reliance Industries](/source/Reliance_Industries)
|Bodhi Tree Systems|
}}
| subsid =
| homepage = {{URL|viacom18.com}}
}}
'''Viacom18 Media Private Limited''' was an Indian [media conglomerate](/source/media_conglomerate). It was a subsidiary of [Reliance Industries](/source/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](/source/Disney_Star), it is the largest shareholder in the newly formed merged entity [JioStar](/source/JioStar) with a 46.82% stake.[{{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}}]
== History ==
=== Founding and early years (2007–2011) ===
Viacom18 was founded in 2007 as a joint venture between [Network18 Group](/source/Network18_Group) and [Viacom](/source/Viacom_(2005%E2%80%932019)).
In January 2010, Viacom18 went international with the launch of [Colors](/source/Colors_TV) in the United States. The channel is called Aapka Colors. In July 2010, it entered into 50/50 distribution joint venture with [Sun Network](/source/Sun_Network), to form Sun 18.[{{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}}]
In December 2011, Viacom18 launched [Nickelodeon Sonic](/source/Nickelodeon_Sonic), targeting children.[{{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](/source/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}}]
'''ETV Network acquisition and rebranding (2014–2015)'''
On 22 January 2014, TV18 acquired the non-[Telugu language](/source/Telugu_language) TV assets of [ETV Network](/source/ETV_Network) for ₹2,053 [crore](/source/crore), with permission to use the ETV brand name.[{{Cite news |date=22 January 2014 |title=Network18 finishes Rs 2,053-cr deal to acquire ETV stakes |work=[The Economic Times](/source/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 }}]
In March 2015, Viacom18 decided to rebrand all five non-[Telugu language](/source/Telugu_language) [ETV](/source/ETV_(Telugu)) regional general entertainment channels. [ETV Marathi](/source/Colors_Marathi), ETV Gujarati, [ETV Kannada](/source/Colors_Kannada), [ETV Bangla](/source/Colors_Bangla), and ETV Odia were rebranded into [Colors Marathi](/source/Colors_Marathi), Colors Gujarati, [Colors Kannada](/source/Colors_Kannada), [Colors Bangla](/source/Colors_Bangla), and [Colors Odia](/source/Colors_TV) respectively.[{{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}}]
'''Viacom's share acquisition (2018–2019)'''
The company also owns [Viacom18 Studios](/source/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.[{{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}}] On 1 October 2019, Viacom18 launched Colors HD in [Malaysia](/source/Malaysia) on [Astro Malaysia](/source/Astro_(television)); every serial will be served with [Malay](/source/Malay_language) and English subtitles.{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}}
The company signed a deal with the [National Basketball Association](/source/National_Basketball_Association) in order to deliver live NBA games to all of their own networks.[{{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}}]
=== Attempted mergers with Sony and Z (Formerly known as Zee), partnership with Bodhi Tree Systems (2020–2023) ===
In June 2020, [Sony](/source/Sony)'s Indian unit [Sony Pictures Networks](/source/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.[{{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}}] However, in October 2020, [Reliance Industries](/source/Reliance_Industries),[{{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}}] the majority share holder in Viacom18, terminated the merger.[{{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}}][{{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}}]
In June 2021,[{{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}}] reports stated Viacom18 and [Zee Entertainment Enterprises](/source/Zee_Entertainment_Enterprises) were reportedly in talks about a merger.[{{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}}] However, Z (formerly Zee) denied any talks about a potential merger with Viacom18,[{{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}}] later entering talks with [Sony Pictures Networks](/source/Sony_Pictures_Networks), which was also in talks about a merger with Viacom18 earlier.[{{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}}]
In January 2022, there were reports that Lupa India, an investment company set up by [Uday Shankar](/source/Uday_Shankar_(businessman)) and [James Murdoch](/source/James_Murdoch), were in the final stages of picking up a 39% stake in Viacom18.[{{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}}] thereby turning Paramount Global into a minority shareholder with a 10% share in the company.[{{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}}] In April 2022, Reliance announced that Bodhi Tree Systems, a company founded by Shankar and Murdoch with backing from the [Qatar Investment Authority](/source/Qatar_Investment_Authority),[{{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 }}] 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](/source/JioCinema)—a streaming service owned by Reliance's mobile operator [Jio](/source/Jio)—would be brought under Viacom18. Paramount would remain a stakeholder and content partner. The deal was approved by the [Competition Commission of India](/source/Competition_Commission_of_India) (CCI) in September 2022.[{{cite web|title=James Murdoch's Bodhi Tree, Reliance, Viacom18 Strike $2 Billion Deal to Create Giant Indian TV and Streaming Company|website=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))|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}}][{{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}}] 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%.[{{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 }}]
=== Merger with Disney Star (2023–present) ===
In December 2023, it was announced that [The Walt Disney Company India](/source/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](/source/Disney_Star) through a [stock swap](/source/stock_swap),[{{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](/source/Mint_(newspaper)) |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 }}] pending ratification and regulatory approval.[{{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}}][{{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}}][{{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}}][{{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}}]
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](/source/StarPlus), [Colors TV](/source/Colors_TV) and the [Star Gold Network](/source/Star_Gold_Network), sports channels [Star Sports](/source/Star_Sports_(Indian_TV_network)) and [Sports18](/source/Sports18) and the streaming services [JioCinema](/source/JioCinema) and [Disney+ Hotstar](/source/Disney%2B_Hotstar) with [Nita Ambani](/source/Nita_Ambani) serving as the chairperson of the joint venture, with [Uday Shankar](/source/Uday_Shankar_(businessman)) serving as vice chairperson with the deal giving 16.34% to Reliance and 46.82% to Viacom18[{{cite web|title=Disney And Reliance Clinch Joint Venture In India|website=[Deadline Hollywood](/source/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}}][{{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 }}]
In March 2024, it was reported that [Paramount Global](/source/Paramount_Global) (now [Paramount Skydance Corporation](/source/Paramount_Skydance) 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](/source/TV18).[{{cite web|title=Paramount In Talks To Sell Stake In Viacom18 To Disney India Partner Reliance — Bloomberg|website=[Deadline Hollywood](/source/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/}}] Although [Bloomberg News](/source/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.[{{cite web|title=Paramount Global Sells Stake In Viacom18 To India's Reliance For $500 Million|website=[Deadline Hollywood](/source/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/}}]
On May 14, 2024, It was reported the deal between Disney and Reliance was approved by [National Company Law Tribunal](/source/National_Company_Law_Tribunal), with the JioCinema streaming service being moved to the Digital18 unit as part of the merger.[{{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}}][{{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 }}]
On 28 August 2024, the CCI has approved the merger of Disney+ Hotstar with Viacom18.[{{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}}]
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.[{{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}}][
=== 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.][{{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}}]
== 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](/source/Colors_TV)
|2008
| rowspan="6" |[Hindi](/source/Hindi)
|rowspan="2"|General Entertainment
|SD+HD
|
|-
|[Colors Rishtey](/source/Colors_TV)
|2014
|SD
| Previously Rishtey
|-
|[MTV](/source/MTV_(Indian_TV_channel))
|1996
|Youth
| rowspan="2" |SD+HD
|Formerly ''MTV HD+''
|-
|[Colors Cineplex](/source/Colors_Cineplex)
|2016
| rowspan="3" |Movies
|Formerly ''Rishtey Cineplex (original)''
|-
|[Colors Cineplex Bollywood](/source/Colors_Cineplex_Bollywood)
|2021
| rowspan="2" |SD
|
|-
|[Colors Cineplex Superhits](/source/Colors_Cineplex)
|2022
|Previously ''Rishtey Cineplex (relaunch)''
|-
|[Colors Infinity](/source/Colors_Infinity)
|2015
|[English](/source/English_language)
|General Entertainment
|SD+HD
| rowspan="5" |
|-
|[Nickelodeon](/source/Nickelodeon_(Indian_TV_channel))
|1999
| rowspan="2" |[Hindi](/source/Hindi)
[Tamil](/source/Tamil_language)
[Telugu](/source/Telugu_language)
[Malayalam](/source/Malayalam)
[Bengali](/source/Bengali_language)
[Marathi](/source/Marathi_language)
[Gujarati](/source/Gujarati_language)
[Kannada](/source/Kannada)
| rowspan="4" |Kids
| rowspan="3" |SD
|-
|[Sonic](/source/Sonic_(Indian_TV_channel))
|2011
|-
|[Nick Jr.](/source/Nick_Jr._(Indian_TV_channel))
|2012
|rowspan="2"|[Hindi](/source/Hindi)
[English](/source/English_language)
|-
|[Nickelodeon HD+](/source/Nickelodeon_(Indian_TV_channel))
|2015
|HD
|-
|[Colors Bangla](/source/Colors_Bangla)
|2000
| rowspan="2" |[Bengali](/source/Bengali_language)
|General Entertainment
|SD+HD
|Previously known as ''ETV Bangla''
|-
|[Colors Bangla Cinema](/source/Colors_Bangla)
|2019
|Movies
| rowspan="3" |SD
|
|-
|[Colors Gujarati](/source/Colors_Gujarati)
|2002
|rowspan="2"|[Gujarati](/source/Gujarati_language)
|General Entertainment
|Previously known as ''ETV Gujarati''
|-
|[Colors Gujarati Cinema](/source/Colors_Gujarati)
|2019
|Movies
|
|-
|[Colors Marathi](/source/Colors_Marathi)
|2000
|[Marathi](/source/Marathi_language)
| rowspan="4" |General Entertainment
| rowspan="3" |SD+HD
|Previously known as ''ETV Marathi''
|-
|[Colors Tamil](/source/Colors_Tamil)
|2018
|[Tamil](/source/Tamil_language)
|
|-
|[Colors Kannada](/source/Colors_Kannada)
|2000
|rowspan="3"|[Kannada](/source/Kannada)
|Previously known as ''ETV Kannada''
|-
|[Colors Super](/source/Colors_Kannada)
|2016
|rowspan="2"|SD
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|[Colors Kannada Cinema](/source/Colors_Kannada)
|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](/source/MTV_Beats)
|2016
|rowspan="7" |2025
| rowspan="2" |[Hindi](/source/Hindi)
| Music
|SD+HD
|Formerly ''MTV Indies''
|-
|[Sports18 Khel](/source/Sports18)
|2022
|Sports
|SD
|Replaced by ''[Star Sports Khel](/source/Star_Sports_(India))''
|-
|[Comedy Central](/source/Comedy_Central_(India))
|2012
| rowspan="5" |[English](/source/English_language)
|General Entertainment
| rowspan="3" |SD+HD
|
|-
|[VH1](/source/VH1_(India))
|2005
|Music
|
|-
|[Sports18 1](/source/Sports18)
|2022
| rowspan="3" |Sports
|Replaced by ''[Star Sports 2 Hindi](/source/Star_Sports_(India))''
|-
|[Sports18 2](/source/Sports18)
| rowspan="2" |2023
| rowspan="2" |SD
|Replaced by ''[Star Sports 2 Telugu](/source/Star_Sports_(India))''
|-
|[Sports18 3](/source/Sports18)
|Replaced by ''[Star Sports 2 Tamil](/source/Star_Sports_(India))''
|-
|[FYI TV18](/source/FYI_(American_TV_channel))
|2016
|2020
|[Hindi](/source/Hindi)
[English](/source/English_language)
|Lifestyle
|SD+HD
|
|-
|[Colors Odia](/source/Colors_Odia)
|2002
|2025
|[Odia](/source/Odia_language)
|General Entertainment
|SD
|Previously known as ''ETV Odia''
|}
== See also ==
* [Paramount International Networks](/source/Paramount_International_Networks)
* [Paramount Networks EMEAA](/source/Paramount_Networks_EMEAA)
* [Network18 Group](/source/Network18_Group)
* [Reliance Industries](/source/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
---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Viacom18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viacom18) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viacom18?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.