Explorer

Sajith Sivanandan Resigns As Head Of Disney Hotstar Following Reliance Merger: Report

Following the merger, Disney and Reliance will collectively operate over 100 TV channels and 2 streaming apps, positioning themselves to compete with major players like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon Prime

Sajith Sivanandan, the head of Disney's Hotstar streaming app in India, has reportedly resigned from his position. This decision comes as the company moves forward with its business integration following the $8.5 billion merger with Reliance’s media assets, according to a Reuters report citing three sources familiar with the matter.

His resignation coincides with a recent internal directive stating that all live sporting events of the newly merged entity, including the highly popular Indian Premier League (IPL), will be streamed exclusively on Disney's Hotstar app rather than on Reliance's JioCinema. This marks a significant step in the integration process aimed at establishing India’s most extensive entertainment company.

However, leadership has yet to determine whether JioCinema will remain a standalone app, according to two of the sources cited in the report. Sivanandan, along with representatives from Disney and Reliance, did not respond to inquiries from the news agency.

Following the merger, Disney and Reliance will collectively operate over 100 TV channels and two streaming apps, positioning themselves to compete with major players like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon Prime.

Sajith Sivanandan served as the head of Disney's Hotstar for over two years, following a lengthy 15-year tenure at Google, where he held various key roles. 

In contrast, JioCinema is currently led by Kiran Mani, another former Google executive who joined Reliance's media unit roughly a year ago. 

JioCinema has secured broadcasting rights to highly lucrative content, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches, which are among the most streamed events in the country, as well as the Winter Olympics and the Indian Super League (ISL) football matches. Meanwhile, Hotstar retains rights to the International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments in India, along with English Premier League (EPL) soccer. This competitive landscape sets the stage for significant viewership battles between the two platforms.

Also Read : Ratan Tata's Final Chapter: How His Last Venture Is Transforming Pet Care In Mumbai

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sat Feb 22, 12:22 pm
connaught place
23.2°
Precipitation: 0 mm    Humidity: 35%   Wind: WNW 16.7 km/h
See Today's Weather
Powered By:
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

Oath-Taking Of Newly-Elected Delhi MLAs On Monday, CAG Report To Be Tabled On Feb 25
Oath-Taking Of Delhi MLAs On Monday, CAG Report To Be Tabled On Feb 25
Aviation Minister Speaks To Shivraj Singh Chouhan Over 'Uncomfortable' Air India Journey, Assures Action
Aviation Minister Speaks To Shivraj Singh Chouhan Over 'Uncomfortable' Air India Journey, Assures Action
Tunnel Collapses In Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank, Several Workers Feared Trapped
Tunnel Collapses In Telangana’s Srisailam Left Bank, Several Workers Feared Trapped
'Missing India?': 'Jana Gana Mana' At Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium Ahead Of AUS-ENG Champions Trophy Match
'Missing India?': 'Jana Gana Mana' At Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium Ahead Of AUS-ENG Champions Trophy Match
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Ideas of India Summit 2025:  Mahesh Raghavan, Nirali Karthik, and Mehtab Niazi Discuss Music's FutureIdeas of India 2025:  Bezwada Wilson, Satyajit Bhaktal, and Ramveer Tanwar Discuss Environmental IssuesIdeas of India Summit 2025: Orhan Awatramani (Orry) Reveals the Hidden Struggles of Fame and WealthIdeas of India Summit 2025: India's Development Must Be Multi-Dimensional -  Piyush Goyal | ABP NEWS

Photo Gallery

Embed widget