GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 1st March. A new merger between Disney and Reliance in India is set to reshape the country’s media industry, creating a powerhouse that surpasses all competitors. The collaboration promises to amplify billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s entertainment aspirations, leveraging streaming technology expertise and coveted cricket broadcasting rights.
With the joint TV and streaming assets valued at a staggering $8.5 billion, Reliance and its affiliates will emerge as the majority stakeholders, holding over 63% of the merged entity, while Disney retains a 37% share.
The merged conglomerate will boast an impressive portfolio of 120 channels and two streaming platforms, solidifying its position as India’s foremost TV player. This move is poised to outshine competitors like Zee Entertainment in India’s thriving $28 billion media and entertainment market.
In the streaming arena, Disney’s Hotstar leads the pack with 38 million paid users, although figures for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video remain undisclosed. Reliance’s JioCinema, while predominantly free, has made significant strides in cricket streaming, garnering attention through complimentary offerings. However, it has faced criticism for technical glitches on social media.
Recognizing the technological prowess of Hotstar, industry experts anticipate Reliance to benefit from its innovations in streaming and cloud-related technologies. With Disney’s advanced ad targeting capabilities, Reliance stands to capitalize on sophisticated advertising strategies to monetize content effectively.
The merger is a strategic move for Disney, which has grappled with profitability issues in India’s streaming market despite its market dominance. Together, Disney and Reliance aim to deliver an unparalleled digital entertainment experience, pending regulatory approvals expected later this year or by early 2025.
In addition to entertainment, the merger also positions the conglomerate as a dominant force in cricket broadcasting, securing broadcast rights for prestigious tournaments like the Indian Premier League and International Cricket Council events. With cricket accounting for a significant portion of India’s sports industry revenue, the combined entity is poised to capture a substantial share of the advertising market.
However, the consolidation of power in cricket broadcasting has raised concerns among legal experts about potential antitrust scrutiny. Analysts predict significant losses in the coming years due to aggressive bidding for cricket rights, compounded by competition from other companies with a strong foothold in digital advertising.
While the Disney-Reliance merger represents a significant win for Mukesh Ambani, challenges lie ahead in competing with digital advertising giants like Google and Meta. Nonetheless, the collaboration sets the stage for a transformative era in India’s media and entertainment landscape.
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