Network18 and CNN renew news alliance for another 10 years

New Delhi: Some partnerships age quietly. Others gather momentum. Network18 and CNN International clearly belong to the latter camp. India’s largest news network has renewed its long-running association with CNN International, extending the licensing and brand partnership for CNN-News18 by another decade, until 31 December 2035. It marks the third chapter of a relationship that began in 2005 and was first renewed in 2015.

But this is not a routine extension. The refreshed agreement sharpens the focus on digital growth, global reach and connected viewing, reflecting how audiences now consume news far beyond traditional television.

Under the new phase, CNN-News18 will significantly expand its international digital presence, including YouTube and Connected TV platforms. The aim is simple but ambitious: to take an Indian news brand to viewers across the world, on every screen that matters.

Network18 group managing director and editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi, called the renewal a rare milestone in global news collaboration. He said the partnership, which has already thrived for two decades on television, is now opening new growth avenues across digital and connected TV platforms.

The timing is apt. News today is unmistakably glocal, where a tremor in one geography can ripple across economies, politics and daily life elsewhere. CNN’s global reporting muscle, paired with Network18’s reach and credibility in India, positions CNN-News18 as a window to the world with a local lens.

The renewed partnership further strengthens CNN-News18’s claim as a go-to destination for English news. The channel is known for breaking stories swiftly, securing first access to key newsmakers and ensuring audiences can follow events wherever they are, and on whatever device they choose. Its long-standing promise, On Your Side, has been reaffirmed.

From CNN’s perspective, the alliance reinforces the value of strong affiliates. CNN International commercial executive vice president Phil Nelson, said the company is pleased to extend one of its most prominent global partnerships, continuing the licensing of the CNN brand while scaling one of its largest affiliates worldwide.

CNN-News18 continues to lead India’s English news space, particularly during major news cycles. A recent on-air refresh has given the channel a sleeker, more contemporary look, while behind the scenes, content is now produced to be equally at home on television, digital platforms and connected TVs.

The channel has also stepped up its presence on large-screen digital devices, tapping into the growing audience that prefers consuming news beyond the traditional TV set.

Looking ahead, Network18 plans further investments in digital innovation, technology and editorial depth to expand CNN-News18’s footprint both within India and internationally.

Broadcast from a state-of-the-art facility near New Delhi, and supported by bureaus across the country, CNN-News18 combines global perspective with local insight. With this renewal, the partnership is not just continuing. It is clearly thinking bigger, broader and beyond borders.