iWorld
JioCinema doubles subscribers Q-on-Q to 16 million in Q2 FY2025
MUMBAI: Reliance group’s Viacom18’s streamer JioCinema is sprinting ahead at a rapid clip. The subscription-oriented OTT, according to Network18 Media’s filings with the Bombay stock exchange, doubled its subscriber base in Q2 FY 2025 quarter over quarter. The sub base at the end of 30 September 2024 stood at an impressive 16 million.
What worked in its favour, the company says, are the affordable monthly subscription plans of Rs 29 per month and Rs 89 per month (family plan) and an expanding content catalogue and the live sports that were streamed on it.
The third season of digital exclusive Bigg Boss OTT was the top driver of subscription and watch-time. Bigg Boss Marathi replicated its success on TV, becoming the third most-watched show on the platform. Network non-fiction shows like Laughter Chefs, Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Splitsvilla were complemented by digital exclusive shows like Shekhar Home and Pill.
The international content catalogue on JioCinema was amongst the top drivers of subscriber acquisition during the quarter. Kung Fu Panda 4, Dune 2, Godzilla x Kong, and Fall Guy were some of the popular international shows and movies added on the platform during the quarter.
Viacom18’s coverage of Paris Olympics 2024 delivered the highest ever viewership of the event with 170+ million viewers and 15 billion minutes of watch-time across JioCinema and Sports 18. JioCinema had up to 20 concurrent live streams spanning 17 dedicated feeds for sports and three curated streams for India matches and other high viewer interest events. A studio panel comprising eminent sports personalities and experts delivered surround content, bringing an unparalleled coverage of the event.
A combination of comprehensive coverage and a growing interest in non-cricket sports led to high engagement of over 50 mins a day on JioCinema. The sports network also aired India vs Bangladesh cricket test series, Indian Super League and other popular sports events, cementing its position as the home of sports.
iWorld
Govt pushes live events sector to Rs 196 billion by 2028
LEDC roadmap targets 15–20 million jobs and global hub status by 2030
MUMBAI: India’s live events story is getting louder and this time, it’s policy turning up the volume. The fourth meeting of the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC), chaired by Chanchal Kumar, was held on 30 April 2026 at Vigyan Bhavan, bringing together representatives from nine Central Ministries, six States and 12 industry stakeholders to chart the sector’s next phase of growth. The numbers already tell a compelling story. India’s organised live events industry was valued at Rs 145 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at 10 per cent to Rs 196 billion by 2028 making it one of the fastest-expanding segments within the media and entertainment ecosystem.
Set up in July 2025 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the LEDC is tasked with turning that momentum into a structured growth engine. Its long-term ambition is ambitious, position India as a global live events hub by 2030 while generating an additional 15–20 million jobs.
At the meeting, officials emphasised the sector’s multiplier effect spanning tourism, employment and allied industries while underlining the need for coordinated execution. A key update was the rollout of a single-window clearance system for live event permissions via the India Cine Hub portal, aimed at simplifying approvals and improving transparency.
States have been urged to adopt the system, alongside implementing the “Model Executive Order for Streamlining Licensing and Permissions for Live Events in India, 2026” by 31 May 2026. The framework seeks to standardise what has long been a fragmented and time-consuming regulatory process.
Beyond permissions, the discussion also turned to infrastructure and talent. A draft concept for greenfield venue development was tabled, alongside plans to build a skilled workforce. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication, in collaboration with industry bodies MESC and EEMA, is set to introduce certificate courses tailored to the live events sector.
Chanchal Kumar stressed that alignment across stakeholders is already in place, with the next challenge being execution at scale. The government, he noted, remains committed to creating a facilitative and transparent ecosystem for organisers.
For an industry once seen as fragmented and event-driven, the message is clear, India’s live events business is no longer just about the show, it’s about building an entire stage for growth.
