Network18 and CNN Double Down on a Two-Decade Alliance With a 10-Year Renewal
Network18 has renewed its long-standing partnership with CNN International, extending the brand and content licensing agreement for its flagship English news channel, CNN-News18, by another 10 years. The renewed agreement will run until December 31, 2035, reinforcing one of the most enduring collaborations in the global news industry.
Originally forged in 2005 and renewed in 2015, the partnership now enters its third decade with a sharper focus on digital-first growth, international reach and connected television (CTV). For investors and industry observers, the move signals Network18’s intent to consolidate leadership in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
A Strategic Shift From Television Roots to Global Digital Ambitions
While the Network18–CNN alliance was built on television, the renewed agreement reflects a clear pivot toward a multi-platform future. CNN-News18 plans to significantly expand its digital footprint, including global distribution across YouTube and connected TV platforms, enabling the channel to reach audiences well beyond India.
The strategy recognises how news consumption habits are changing. Viewers are increasingly accessing content on large-screen digital devices, mobile platforms and global streaming ecosystems, blurring traditional geographic boundaries. By aligning CNN’s global editorial strength with Network18’s distribution muscle, the partners aim to position CNN-News18 as a truly international news brand.
Also Read : HDFC Bank Falls 2% Post Q3 Updates While Union Bank Rallies 4% to New 52-Week High
Leadership Sees Renewal as a Landmark Media Collaboration
Network18’s leadership described the renewal as a defining moment for the group’s global ambitions. Rahul Joshi, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Network18 Group, said the partnership is entering a new phase of growth.
“This renewed partnership represents a landmark, one-of-a-kind collaboration in global news,” Joshi said. “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.”
His remarks underline the shift from a traditional broadcast-led model to one where digital scale and international visibility are central to value creation.
Global Perspective Meets Local Credibility in a ‘Glocal’ News Era
The renewed alliance comes at a time when news is increasingly “glocal” — global events have immediate local consequences, from geopolitics and energy markets to technology and climate risks. Network18 said CNN’s international reporting capabilities, combined with its own deep-rooted presence in India, offer audiences a comprehensive worldview.
With this refreshed partnership, CNN-News18 aims to strengthen its positioning as India’s premier English news destination. The channel has focused on breaking major stories quickly, securing access to key newsmakers, and ensuring content is available seamlessly across devices.
CNN International Reaffirms Commitment to the Indian Market
For CNN International, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, the renewal reinforces India’s importance as a strategic market. Phil Nelson, Executive Vice President, CNN International Commercial, emphasised the role of strong affiliates in CNN’s global expansion.
“Having a network of strong affiliate partners has been core to CNN since our very founding in 1980,” Nelson said. “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.”
The statement highlights CNN’s confidence in Network18’s ability to scale the brand across platforms and geographies.
On-Air Refresh and Digital-Ready Content Strengthen Viewer Experience
CNN-News18 has recently undergone an on-air refresh, adopting a more modern and stylish aesthetic designed to enhance the viewing experience. Importantly, all content produced by the channel is now inherently TV- and digital-ready, ensuring seamless adaptation across broadcast, digital platforms and CTV.
The channel has also increased its presence on connected TV, targeting a fast-growing audience segment that consumes news via smart TVs and streaming devices. This approach aligns with advertiser demand for premium, brand-safe environments beyond traditional linear television.
Network18 Commits Fresh Investments to Technology and Editorial Depth
Network18 said it plans to further invest in CNN-News18’s digital, technological and editorial capabilities to strengthen leadership and expand its footprint in India and overseas. These investments are expected to focus on newsroom technology, storytelling formats, data-driven journalism and distribution partnerships.
Key pillars of the expansion strategy include:
-
Scaling global digital reach through YouTube and CTV platforms
-
Enhancing editorial depth with international perspectives
-
Leveraging advanced broadcast and news-gathering technology
-
Strengthening monetisation through premium digital audiences
Strong Infrastructure Backs the Expansion Plan
CNN-News18 operates from a world-class facility in the New Delhi region, supported by bureaus across the country and a seasoned editorial and production team. The channel also benefits from Network18’s advanced broadcast infrastructure and technology backbone, which provides scale and reliability across platforms.
For investors, this infrastructure advantage reduces execution risk as the channel expands digitally and internationally.
What the Renewal Means for Investors and the Media Industry
The 10-year renewal provides long-term visibility and stability to one of India’s most influential English news brands. At a time when media businesses face fragmentation, platform disruption and intense competition, the extended partnership offers strategic clarity.
Industry analysts say the move positions Network18 to capture global audiences, premium advertising and digital growth, while CNN International deepens its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing media markets.
A Long-Term Bet on Global News Leadership
By extending their partnership until 2035, Network18 and CNN are signalling confidence not just in each other, but in the enduring relevance of trusted global journalism. As news consumption becomes increasingly borderless and digital-first, the alliance is evolving from a television partnership into a global media platform.
For CNN-News18, the renewed agreement reinforces its promise of being “On Your Side” — now not just across India, but across screens and geographies worldwide.
