Network18 and CNN International extend news partnership until 2035

Indian news network Network18 has renewed its strategic partnership with CNN International for its flagship English news channel, CNN-News18. The renewed agreement extends the existing brand and content licensing arrangement by 10 years, taking the partnership through to December 31, 2035.

The renewal marks the third phase of a collaboration that began in 2005 and was first extended in 2015. With this agreement, Network18 and CNN reinforce a relationship that has now spanned two decades and will continue for a third, reflecting sustained alignment in editorial vision, brand positioning and audience relevance.

The extended partnership goes beyond traditional television broadcasting. As part of the renewed arrangement, CNN-News18 will significantly expand its digital footprint into international markets. This includes a stronger presence on platforms such as YouTube and connected TV (CTV), allowing the channel to reach global audiences across multiple screens and formats.

Rahul Joshi, managing director and editor-in-chief of Network18 Group, described the renewal as a milestone for both organisations. He said, “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.”

The relevance of the Network18 and CNN alliance is underscored by the increasingly interconnected nature of global news. Events unfolding in one region often have immediate implications for audiences elsewhere, reinforcing the importance of combining international perspective with local context. CNN’s global newsgathering network, paired with Network18’s reach and credibility in India, enables comprehensive coverage of international and domestic developments.

CNN International, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, will continue to provide global editorial expertise and international reporting as part of the collaboration. Phil Nelson, executive vice president of CNN International Commercial, highlighted the importance of affiliate partnerships to CNN’s global strategy. “Having a network of strong affiliate partners has been core to CNN since our very founding in 1980. To that end, 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,” he said.

The renewal follows a recent on-air refresh of CNN-News18. The channel has adopted a more contemporary visual identity aimed at improving viewer experience across platforms. Content production has been aligned to ensure that programming is simultaneously suitable for television, digital platforms and connected TV environments, enabling seamless distribution.

CNN-News18 operates from a central broadcast facility in the New Delhi region, supported by bureaus across the country. The channel draws on Network18’s editorial resources, production teams and broadcast infrastructure, alongside advanced news-gathering technology. In recent years, it has also increased its presence on connected TV platforms, addressing the growing segment of audiences consuming news on large-screen digital devices.

Looking ahead, Network18 plans further investment in CNN-News18’s digital, technological and editorial capabilities. These efforts are intended to strengthen the channel’s leadership position in the English news segment while expanding its reach within India and internationally.