The merger, however, could be an opportunity for advertisers as the sheer reach and diversity of the new entity mean they can now connect with audiences on a larger scale, across multiple platforms
Speaking at Reliance Industries AGM, Mukesh Ambani said the new entity will combine content creation with digital streaming to cater to every consumer's taste
While the CCI's conditional approval is a major milestone, the merger may still encounter further legal and regulatory hurdles over concerns of harming competition, say experts
The green light from the CCI comes with a caveat: the companies must comply with certain voluntary modifications to address potential competition concerns
A detailed dialogue with CCI is crucial to move ahead say legal experts who believe that the antitrust regulator may ask for more meaningful divestiture if it allows the combination to go ahead
According to a media report, the main concern for the CCI appears to be the control over cricket broadcasting rights, which could potentially lead to issues with pricing and market dominance
According to experts, the Disney-Reliance merger could drive up ad rates for major properties like IPL and the World Cup, but its impact on general entertainment content may be limited
K Madhavan, Country Manager and President of Disney Star, celebrated his birthday on June 19. A look at the media veteran's journey in the M&E industry
In a regulatory filing, the Walt Disney Company shared that if the merger is not finalized by February 28, 2026, Star India or RIL may terminate the deal
An estimated 5% of employees have been offered retention bonus if they remain with the company until the merger is complete. Additionally, Disney Star is expediting pending promotions
Post the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star, the new company is expected to command more than 40% of TV market share and 34% of the digital OTT market share
The Disney-Reliance merger signals a transformative shift in the Indian media landscape, raising questions about consolidation, innovation, and regulatory oversight, writes Pande