Reliance AI media strategy targets content and viewers as FY26 revenue rises

Reliance Industries said it is placing artificial intelligence at the centre of its media and entertainment plans. The company said the aim is to become the main entertainment destination for every Indian. In its latest annual report, Reliance linked this push to changes across content, viewing habits, and audience engagement.

Representative image

Reliance reported that its Media and Entertainment vertical posted strong results in FY26. The unit includes JioStar, Jio Studios, and Network18. Reliance said it achieved record levels in viewership, engagement, and monetisation during the year. It also outlined a wider strategy to sustain growth as viewing shifts to digital platforms.

Reliance Industries AI strategy for entertainment and engagement

Reliance said, "AI will define the next era of entertainment and, as Indias largest media & entertainment platform, Reliance has the responsibility to lead this transformation -- reimagining everything from script to screen and from idea to experience,\" The company said AI is being treated as a core capability. Reliance added it will support content creation, consumer experience, and audience engagement.

Reliance said AI is not being used only to improve efficiency in business processes. The company said it is embedding AI into daily operations to shape entertainment offerings. It added that AI-led optimisation across content creation and production is expected to bring structural efficiency gains. Reliance also pointed to deeper fan engagement through these changes.

Reliance Industries AI focus on connected TVs and mobile formats

The company said its plan includes strengthening large-screen entertainment leadership and speeding up connected TV adoption. Reliance said it wants to support a move away from linear television. It also aims to set its mobile offering apart with interactive formats. The company highlighted voice-enabled experiences and vertical video content as key tools.

Reliance said it is investing to upgrade its personalisation engine. The goal is to provide users with more tailored content experiences. It also said commerce may be integrated into the streaming ecosystem. Reliance said this could create added participation in India’s growing digital commerce market, alongside content and viewing features.

Reliance Industries AI era tied to revenue and new monetisation

Reliance said revenue from operations in its media and entertainment vertical rose sharply in FY26. The figure was Rs 34,917 crore, nearly double from the previous year. It was Rs 17,762 crore in FY25. The company also said it is working to expand monetisation beyond traditional advertising and subscriptions.

Reliance said JioStar was created after merging Reliance’s media business with Walt Disney’s India business. The company said JioStar will remain the home of sports in India. It also said JioStar will bring popular stories from around the world to Indian viewers. The annual report linked this to an evolving customer value proposition.

Reliance flagged rising content costs and audience fragmentation as key challenges for the sector. The company said these trends require platform-agnostic and multi-format content strategies. It also reported strong network positions across genres. In the Hindi GEC Pay segment, it said the network held a 48 per cent market share.

The annual report said JioStar reached a billion screens as a sports aggregator. It also reported over 250 days of live action. Reliance added that its OTT platform grew to an average of 451 million monthly active users. The company said these results supported its plan to use AI and new formats.

With inputs from PTI