Network18 and TV18 Join Forces to Create Indias Largest News Media Powerhouse

In a significant move, Network18 Media & Investments Ltd and TV18 Broadcast Ltd announced a consolidation of their TV and digital news businesses on Wednesday, December 6. This strategic decision aims to create India's largest platform-agnostic news media powerhouse with an extensive reach across languages and platforms.

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Merger of TV18 and E18 with Network18

The two companies unveiled a scheme of arrangement under which TV18 Broadcast, TV18, and e-Eighteen.com Ltd (E18), the owner and operator of the moneycontrol website and app, will merge with Network18. This consolidation will bring together the TV and digital news operations of the Network18 group into a single entity, enhancing its strength and growth potential.

Creating India's Largest News Media Powerhouse

The proposed merger aims to establish India's largest platform-agnostic news media powerhouse. By combining the resources and expertise of TV18 and E18 with Network18, the merged entity will offer a comprehensive range of news content across multiple languages and platforms, including TV, digital, and mobile.

Share Exchange Ratio and Merged Entity

As part of the scheme, the share exchange ratio has been determined. For every 172 shares of TV18, shareholders will receive 100 shares of Network18. Similarly, for every one share of E18, shareholders will receive 19 shares of Network18. The merged entity will encompass TV18's portfolio of 20 news channels in 16 languages, including CNBCTV18.com, and Network18's digital assets, such as the News18.com platform across 13 languages, Firstpost, moneycontrol website, and app.

Viacom18 and BookMyShow

Viacom18, with its portfolio of JioCinema and 40 TV channels, will become a direct subsidiary of Network18. Additionally, Network18 will maintain its investment in BookMyShow, a leading entertainment platform.

About Network18 Media & Investments

Network18 Media & Investments (Network 18) is India's leading media conglomerate, controlled by Independent Media Trust, whose sole beneficiary is Reliance Industries. Network18 operates a diverse portfolio of news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels, digital properties, and print publications.

About TV18 Broadcast Ltd

TV18 Broadcast Ltd (TV18) is a subsidiary of Network18. It operates news channels across 16 languages, including prominent brands like CNBC TV18, CNN News18, and News18 India. Through its subsidiary Viacom18, TV18 also manages a portfolio of entertainment and sports channels, including Colors, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Sports18. Additionally, Viacom18 operates JioCinema, one of India's leading OTT platforms.

Conclusion

The consolidation of Network18's TV and digital news businesses marks a significant step in the Indian media landscape. By merging TV18 and E18 with Network18, the group aims to create a formidable news media powerhouse that caters to a wide range of audiences across languages and platforms. This strategic move positions Network18 for continued growth and success in the dynamic media industry.