Viacom18-Star India merger: MIB okays transfer of non-news channel licences

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has granted its approval for the transfer of licences relating to non-news and current affairs TV channels held by Viacom18 to Star India.

The transfer will, however, be subject to conditions laid down by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

Earlier this month, the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) sanctioned the merger scheme between Walt Disney’s Star India and Reliance Industries Limited’s Viacom18.

CCI also gave its approval to the merger end of August. The green light from CCI, however, comes with a caveat that the companies must comply with certain voluntary modifications to address potential competition concerns.