Network18 and CNN International Extend Partnership for Another Decade, Expand Global Digital Reach

Network 18 Media , India's largest news network, has announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with CNN International for its flagship English news channel, CNN-News18. The brand and content licensing agreement has been extended for another decade, running until December 31, 2035.

Partnership Evolution and Timeline

This renewal marks the third phase of a successful collaboration that spans two decades. The partnership timeline demonstrates sustained growth and commitment between both organizations:

Milestone:	Year	Duration
Initial Partnership:	2005	10 years
First Renewal:	2015	10 years
Current Extension:	2025	Until Dec 31, 2035

The latest agreement represents the most comprehensive collaboration yet, incorporating significant digital expansion beyond traditional television broadcasting.

Enhanced Digital Strategy

The renewed partnership introduces a strategic digital component designed to reach global audiences. CNN-News18 will expand its digital footprint to international markets through multiple platforms:

YouTube presence in global markets
Connected TV (CTV) expansion
Cross-platform content delivery for seamless viewing experiences
Digital-ready content production for broadcast and online platforms

Rahul Joshi, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Network18 Group, emphasized the significance of this development: "This renewed partnership represents a landmark, one-of-a-kind collaboration in global news. The TV news partnership that has flourished for two decades will now open doors to new avenues of growth, including an expanded presence on digital and connected TV."

Strategic Market Position

The partnership strengthens CNN-News18's position as India's leading English news channel, particularly during major news events and critical news cycles. The channel has recently undergone an on-air refresh featuring enhanced visual aesthetics to improve viewer experience.

Phil Nelson, Executive Vice President of CNN International Commercial, highlighted the partnership's importance: "Having a network of strong affiliate partners has been core to CNN since our very founding in 1980. We are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Network18 for the continuation of the licensing of the CNN brand and the expansion of one of our largest and most prominent affiliates worldwide."

Infrastructure and Operations

CNN-News18 operates from a state-of-the-art facility in the New Delhi region, supported by nationwide bureaus and Network18's advanced broadcast infrastructure. The channel maintains a comprehensive news-gathering technology system and employs a top-tier editorial and production team.

Network18 plans to increase investments in CNN-News18's digital capabilities, technology infrastructure, and editorial resources to strengthen market leadership and expand reach both domestically and internationally.

About Network18

Network18 operates as India's largest omni-channel news network, encompassing 20 television channels across more than 12 languages and seven digital news platforms in 13 languages. The network includes prominent channels such as CNN-News18, News18 India, CNBC-TV18, and 14 regional channels, along with leading digital properties including News18.com, CNBCTV18.com, and Moneycontrol.com.

1 Day	5 Days	1 Month	6 Months	1 Year	5 Years
-2.49%	-1.47%	-1.16%	-24.11%	-38.03%	+18.92%

Network 18 Media has announced plans to acquire the remaining stake in IBN Lokmat News Private Limited (IBNL) for ₹25 crore, a move that will make IBNL its wholly-owned subsidiary. This strategic acquisition underscores Network18's commitment to strengthening its position in the regional news market, particularly in the Marathi-speaking segment.

Acquisition Details

The Board of Directors of Network18, in a meeting held on October 15, 2025, approved the acquisition of the following from Lokmat Media Private Limited:

86,25,000 equity shares
22,55,250 preference shares
1 debenture

This transaction will give Network18 complete ownership of IBNL, which operates the Marathi news channel News18 Lokmat, a leader in its segment.

Financial Implications

The acquisition, valued at ₹25 crore, will be an all-cash transaction. Network18 has stated that the deal is on an arm's length basis, with Ernst & Young Merchant Banking Services LLP providing an independent valuation for the transaction.

IBNL's Performance

IBNL has shown consistent growth in recent years, as evidenced by its operating revenue:

Fiscal Year	Operating Revenue (₹ crore)
2022-23	22.50
2023-24	31.10
2024-25	36.50

This upward trend in revenue highlights the channel's growing market presence and potential for future growth.

Strategic Significance

The acquisition aligns with Network18's strategy to consolidate its leadership in key markets. News18 Lokmat has already established itself as a leader in the Marathi news segment. By taking full ownership, Network18 aims to leverage this position to further strengthen its regional leadership and provide a seamless experience for Marathi consumers across TV and digital platforms.

Market Impact

This move is expected to enhance Network18's already substantial presence in the Indian media landscape. The company's portfolio of 20 channels, including 14 regional ones, reaches over 250 million people monthly, with a 13.5% all-India viewership share.

Completion Timeline

Network18 expects to complete the acquisition by the end of October 2025, subject to necessary approvals and conditions.

Conclusion

This strategic acquisition by Network18 Media & Investments reinforces its commitment to the regional news market and its position as a leading media conglomerate in India. As the media landscape continues to evolve, such moves to strengthen regional presence could play a crucial role in shaping the future of news delivery and consumption in the country.