Media Titans Unite: Reliance and Disney's Dazzling Merger

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney will divest seven TV channels as part of their merger, ensuring competitive advertising practices for cricket events. The merger will combine massive media assets, creating a Rs 70,000 crore conglomerate, while addressing concerns of increased ad rates and anti-competition post-merger conditions.

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have announced their decision to divest seven television channels and ensure advertisement slots for cricketing events are not sold as bundles. This comes as part of a series of measures approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for the merger of their media divisions, creating a formidable Rs 70,000 crore media entity.

Following the clearance of the mega deal, the CCI published a detailed decision outlining various remedial measures to prevent potential anti-competitive impacts post-merger. These measures include guarantees of not inflating advertisement rates during major cricket events, specifically on TV and streaming platforms with broadcasting rights for ICC events and IPL matches.

The combined media behemoth will boast significant sports broadcasting rights, including the Indian Premier League, ICC tournaments, and domestic cricket matches, all while maintaining compliance with fair competition practices. The merged entity will divest channels such as Star Jalsha Movies and Colors Marathi, and will refrain from consolidating advertisement sales across its platforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)