CNN and TV18 renew partnership on CNN IBN

TV18 and CNN International have announced an extension of their ‘collaboration’ on English news channel CNN IBN. A brand refresh is also on the cards.

 

News reports earlier this year speculated that the 10-year brand licensing agreement with Turner Broadcasting’s CNN, which was set to expire in January 2016, would not be renewed. CNN IBN was launched in end-2005. With the announcement, it has been made clear that it will continue as a CNN-branded channel.

 

Adil Zainulbhai, chairman, Network18, said, "We are delighted to announce the renewal of this extremely cherished partnership between two most respected brands in journalism. In this second term of our collaboration, we aim to present a brand new CNN IBN that will bring news with even greater speed, accuracy, clarity and credibility and keep the viewers tuned in to the latest news and developments much ahead of others. We also intend to cut through the noise and clutter that is currently present in the Indian television news space and offer best practices of journalism that will lead to better understanding of issues. The channel will organise meaningful debates and raise issues that touch the lives of our viewers. With this renewed partnership, we will enhance the process of newsgathering and delivery to our viewers in an informative and enlightening manner.”

 

Rani Raad, chief commercial officer, CNN International, said, “We are really excited about the future of CNN IBN and together with the new management at TV18, are going to build upon the success we have already achieved. I look forward to the brand continuing its lead in the dynamic Indian news industry and am delighted that CNN IBN is staying in our family of CNN-branded channels around the world that include CNN Turk, CNN Chile, CNN Philippines, CNN Indonesia and CNN Greece.”