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Reliance Industries’ media business grew strongly in FY26 under the ‘Dhurandhar’ plan. This growth reflects rapid advances in digital entertainment and traditional media, with IPL viewership driving rising subscriber engagement in Jio’s digital ecosystem. That ‘Dhurandhar’ IPL Power India strategy helped Reliance’s media revenue reach $3.7 billion.
Jio Platforms and Network18’s large outreach fueled Reliance’s media growth in FY26, where JioHotstar alone averaged 451 million monthly active users per Ril-Businesstoday’s report. This huge user base boosted content views and advertising revenue significantly. Moreover, Network18, India’s leading TV network, holds a notable viewership share, raising broadcast ad and content licensing revenue. Offering live sports, original shows, and regional content strengthened Reliance’s subscription appeal. They also used their telecom base to cross-promote content, which grew a user ecosystem of 387 million registered customers in FY26.
Financial Impact and Market Position
Reliance Retail, which supports the media business, reached ₹3,70,026 crore revenue in FY26, marking an 11.8% year-on-year increase. Profit After Tax rose 12% to ₹12,838 crore, showing strong profitability beyond media. This retail growth helped media by broadening the consumer and advertising market. Reliance Consumer Electronics sold 2,500 phones every hour and 1,600 laptops daily, boosting digital hardware reach and engagement with digital content. At the 49th AGM, Mukesh Ambani said Reliance aims to be a global export hub by 2032, integrating media and industry, per Moneycontrol.
Innovation and Strategic Investments
Reliance’s solar PV cell and module plants in Gujarat’s Kutch region reflect their sustainability efforts, which also boost the company’s brand.
The company also benefits from an integrated digital system using advanced AI and data analytics. AI-powered customer tools on Jio platforms enhance user engagement and content delivery, adding a crucial edge to their offerings. The market’s confidence in scaling media and digital services was underlined by Jio Platforms’ IPO approval following its Draft Red Herring Prospectus.
IPL: The Flagship Entertainment Engine
At the core of Reliance’s ‘Dhurandhar’ media growth strategy lies the Indian Premier League (IPL). Holding IPL broadcasting rights and digital streaming has attracted record viewership and advertising revenue. IPL regularly breaks viewership records, boosting JioHotstar subscriptions and Network18 broadcast income. Mukesh Ambani told Moneycontrol that IPL is critical for India’s media rise and global entertainment influence.
Expanding Customer Ecosystems
Reliance’s integration of media and retail fuels its customer base growth by 11%. Their ecosystem now totals 387 million registered users across digital, retail, and media platforms in FY26. Linking electronics sales with media services strengthens competitiveness and reduces user churn.
Outlook for Reliance’s Media Business
Reliance aims to maximize its vast digital infrastructure and industrial links to keep expanding. Investments in AI, cloud computing, and local content are focused on retaining and growing market share in India’s highly competitive scene, per Moneycontrol.
With Jio Platforms IPO on track and improved monetization of content assets like IPL, Reliance’s media business is advancing steadily. They’re looking to maintain momentum in media subscriptions and advertising as IPL seasons and new digital content launches unfold, per Moneycontrol.
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