VIACOM
Sony’s Gaurav Banerjee dismisses concerns over foreign investment in India’s media sector
Citing the presence of YouTube, Netflix and Amazon, Banerjee said global media companies recognise India’s long-term growth potential and continue to invest billions of dollars in the market.
'Investors must have a long-term view to unlock India's sports market potential': JioStar VC Uday Shankar
Uday Shankar highlights that India's sports industry presents substantial long-term investment opportunities, particularly in cricket and others. He urges potential investors to adopt a longer timeframe beyond five years for returns. Shankar also notes that while cricket remains dominant, other sports are gaining significant audiences as well. The challenges include rising media-rights costs and competition with technology platforms. Furthermore, simplifying cricket formats could enhance viewer enjoyment and excitement over time.
YouTube was close to selling to Yahoo. How Google sealed the $1.65 billion deal at 3 A.M. in a Denny’s parking lot
YouTube was close to selling to Yahoo in 2006 before Google agreed to pay $1.65 billion for the video platform. The deal was finalized in an unusual setting: a Denny’s parking lot at 3 a.m., where executives signed the merger documents under BlackBerry phone lights.
GoT, Harry Potter, Batman & more: The $110 billion Hollywood gold mine Paramount just bought
Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery brings some of Hollywood's most valuable franchises under one roof, from Batman, Superman and Harry Potter to Game of Thrones, Friends, Dune, The Lord of the Rings and The Matrix. The $110 billion deal also combines two major studios, streaming platforms and vast entertainment libraries.
PKL media rights in flux as JioStar, teams seek to avert an ISL-style fallout
Pro Kabaddi League media rights talks involve JioStar seeking a fee reduction and franchises protecting the previous benchmark. Franchise owners are divided on open bidding, fearing a collapse like the Indian Super League. JioStar incurred losses and viewership has stagnated, prompting discussions for league growth. Discussions also include reducing franchise fees while increasing revenue share for teams.
In 1992, Tyler Perry spent his $12,000 savings on a failed play and slept in his car; by 2020, the Madea creator had earned $1.4 billion and owned a 330-acre studio
Tyler Perry's journey is marked by both struggle and triumph. After facing bankruptcy due to a failed play, he experienced months of homelessness. Undeterred, he spent six years refining his production and slowly cultivated a loyal fanbase. By negotiating to retain ownership of his content, he eventually built a massive studio empire and amassed a billion-dollar fortune, showcasing the power of resilience and the importance of creative control.

Tyler Perry became a billionaire telling stories about marriage. Now he says he won't marry because ‘divorce destroys fortunes’
Tyler Perry has shared his decision to avoid marriage due to the potential financial pitfalls associated with divorce. With a net worth of $1.4 billion derived from his career that delves into the complexities of relationships, Perry emphasizes the freedom that comes with owning all his creative works. Rising from homelessness to immense wealth, he values maintaining control over his personal and financial aspects.

GTPL Hathway overtakes Tata Play to become India’s largest TV distributor by revenue in FY26
GTPL Hathway has unexpectedly outperformed Tata Play in revenue in India's television distribution sector, even though it maintains a smaller active cable subscriber base. Both segments, cable and DTH, are facing challenges due to the growing popularity of streaming platforms. GTPL's expansion efforts include launching a new HITS service and making strategic acquisitions, while the DTH market continues to decline in active pay-TV subscriptions.

Viacom18 becomes subsidiary of Reliance Industries
Viacom18 transitions to a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited post the conversion of 24.61 crore CCPS into equity shares, granting Reliance an 83.88% equity share capital. This marks a shift from Network18's control, positioning Reliance at the helm of Viacom18's strategic direction.

Viacom18, Star India expect to complete merger by October
Viacom18 and Star India plan to finalize their merger by October after securing approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Already sanctioned by creditors and shareholders, CCI's detailed market assessment will determine the merger's competitive impact. The combined entity will dominate both TV and streaming, holding substantial sports rights.

Anil Jayaraj quits as CEO of Viacom18 Sports
Anil Jayaraj, Viacom18's sports CEO, resigned after nearly three years. His departure coincides with Viacom18's merger with Star India under Reliance Industries. Sources revealed Jayaraj submitted his resignation on Monday, but Viacom18 did not respond to requests for comments

Paramount Global exited Reliance's Viacom18 with attractive returns: Top executive
Paramount Global's recent sale of its 13.01% stake in Viacom18 to Reliance Industries has allowed the company to exit its Indian joint venture with a profitable return on investment. Paramount fully divested from Viacom18 for ₹4,286 crore, while continuing content licensing agreements. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024 or early 2025, pending regulatory approval. The merger agreement between RIL, Walt Disney's Star India, and Viacom18 will impact the ownership structure, with RIL and Viacom18 set to hold a majority stake in the proposed merged entity.

Paramount to sell its remaining stake in Viacom18 to RIL
Paramount Global is set to sell its remaining 13.01% stake in Viacom18 to Reliance Industries for ₹4,286 crore, valuing the Indian media company at around ₹33,000 crore. The transaction is subject to certain customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. The transaction is also subject to the completion of the proposed joint venture involving RIL, Viacom18, and The Walt Disney Company's Star India.

Delhi HC grants dynamic injunction to Viacom18 against cricket piracy
With the help of this dynamic injunction, Viacom18 will be able to take rapid action against rogue websites that indulge in piracy. The order requires Internet Service Providers (IPSs) to ban access to such websites after being notified by Viacom18 on an affidavit.

Paramount realises $168 million in non-cash gain from Viacom18 stake dilution
Paramount Global has reported a non-cash gain of $168 million from diluting its stake in Indian media conglomerate Viacom18. In April, Paramount's stake in Viacom18 dropped to 13% after a strategic transaction involving Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Bodhi Tree Systems. RIL entities and Bodhi Tree Systems invested Rs 15,145 crore in Viacom18, resulting in Paramount no longer accounting for it under the equity method.

Rajesh Iyer to lead Viacom18's four regional markets
This is Iyer’s second stint at Viacom18. In his earlier tenure, Iyer had served for six years, and was head of marketing of the flagship GEC, Colors, before joining Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEE) in the leadership team and launching second GEC, &TV.

Sudhanshu Vats steps down as MD of Viacom18
Vats was responsible for expanding Viacom18’s footprint into new business lines, including digital (Voot), experiential entertainment and consumer products.

TV18 becomes majority shareholder in Viacom18 at a valuation of $2 billion
TV18, which currently holds 50% in the JV with US conglomerate Viacom Inc, will buy additional 1% for a cash consideration of $20 million, valuing Viacom18 Media at $2 billion.

Viacom-CBS deal talks collapse, Redstone withdraws proposal
Merger talks reached a standstill in part because Moonves only wanted to buy Viacom if he got control over the Redstone family’s voting shares.
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