Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, now owns the domain jiohotstar.com. This ends months of legal and commercial disputes. According to Business Standard, the domain is registered under Manish Painuly, Senior Director at Viacom18. WHOIS records confirm that Painuly is listed as the registrant and administrative contact for the domain.
Painuly has worked at Viacom18 for over 16 years. He specializes in digital transformation. The company, based in Mumbai, operates channels like Colors, MTV India, and Nickelodeon. Its digital arm, JioCinema, has gained significant attention, especially after securing the digital streaming rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The History Behind the JioHotstar.com Dispute
The domain jiohotstar.com was first registered by a Delhi-based engineer. He asked Reliance to fund his education at Cambridge University in exchange for the domain. At the time, Reliance Jio and Disney+ Hotstar were negotiating a potential merger.
When Reliance refused, the domain was sold to Dubai-based siblings Jainam and Jivika. They later transferred it to Reliance free of charge, calling it an act of “Seva” (selfless service). They denied any payment or pressure from the conglomerate.
Viacom18’s Digital Growth
The acquisition of jiohotstar.com is part of Viacom18’s growing digital presence. JioCinema, its digital platform, has gained popularity, especially after becoming the official IPL streaming partner. Viacom18, a joint venture between Reliance’s TV18 and Paramount Global, offers content across TV, digital platforms, and film production.
What’s Next for Viacom18?
The acquisition of the domain marks an important step for Viacom18. It strengthens their digital assets. This could lead to new opportunities in content delivery and audience engagement. As the company expands its digital reach, this domain acquisition may play a key role in its future strategy.
Stay tuned for more updates on Viacom18’s digital initiatives.
The acquisition of jiohotstar.com by Viacom18 marks a pivotal moment in the digital landscape. This move not only resolves a long-standing domain dispute but also strengthens Viacom18’s position in the competitive streaming market. With its growing digital platform, JioCinema, and its prominent role in streaming the Indian Premier League (IPL), Viacom18 is well-positioned to expand its digital footprint. This strategic acquisition reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and growth in the ever-evolving media and entertainment sector. As Viacom18 continues to invest in its digital assets, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the near future.
