The Power Play: Disney And RIL Forge A New Era In The Indian Media
- IJLLR Journal
- Jan 9
- 1 min read
Joshika Naidu, CMR University, School of Legal Studies
ABSTRACT
Thearticle shedslightonthegame-changingmergerofDisneyandReliance Industries Limited (RIL), that redefines the Indian media and entertainment industry. Disney has been grappling with challenges in the Indian market, characterized by dwindling user base and advertisement revenues post-RIL's acquisition of IPL streaming rights, which resulted in a court-sanctioned Joint Venture with RIL. "It represents one of the biggest media deals that combine 120 channels and a value of RS 70,352 crore (US $8.5 billion), making it one of the largest in the world." As RIL controls the joint venture, Disney reaps the rewards of higher profitability, along with a strong streamingplatform.ThismergergivesRILandDisney thepowertotakeon market monopolies; it puts them as competitive players against Zee Entertainment and its rival Sony. The new entity is called Star India Private Limited (SIPL) and will have charge over big sports assets — IPL, world cricket events — and become the heartbeat of the media and sports sectors. It also underscores how both the merger and regulatory approval are of strategic importance and will change the face of the Indian media landscape significantly.
