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TV18, Viacom18 form new JV
MUMBAI: TV18 and Viacom18 have formed a strategic joint venture, IndiaCast, which will distribute all channels and content of the two companies in India and abroad.
IndiaCast will also distribute Eenadu channels, post completion of acquisition by the TV18 group.
The Sun TV group channels and Disney Channels will also be distributed by IndiaCast in the Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM).
In Tamil Nadu, Sun TV Network will continue to distribute the TV18 and Viacom18 channels, apart from Disney channels.
The new company will be headed by Anuj Gandhi as Group CEO, while Gaurav Gandhi is named COO.
TV18 and Viacom18 said that IndiaCast will create India’s first multi-platform ‘Content Asset Monetization’ entity. It is mandated to drive domestic and international channel distribution, placement services and content syndication for TV18, Viacom18, A+E Networks I TV18 and the Eenadu group, post completion of its acquisition by TV18.
“IndiaCast has been created with the aim to consolidate the distribution functions of both media houses to, reach newer markets and increase operational efficiencies,” the two companies said.
IndiaCast will distribute all the 26 channels across all platforms, including Cable, DTH, IPTV, HITS and MMDS, and will offer a range of channels, from entertainment, kids, news, infotainment and music, to regional genres.
Network18 group CEO Sai Kumar said, “The Indian distribution market is throwing up ample opportunities and we are uniquely poised to make the most of this proposed alliance in an increasingly digitized environment. We have entrusted this mandate with Anuj, who brings with him impeccable leadership and rich experience across various formats.”
He further added, “Distribution is one of the high-growth areas in this industry and we’re excited to have a presence in this part of the business as well.”
Viacom International Media Networks president and CEO Bob Bakish said, “As the Indian market continues to expand and evolve, the move to bring two media houses and proposed consolidation of Eenadu channels post acquisition into one distribution sales house presents an opportunity to accelerate our growth in the region, while increasing efficiencies of operation. We’re excited about the potential of IndiaCast and are looking forward to deepening our partnership with TV18 and Eenadu Group.”
Anuj Gandhi added, “This is a momentous step forward and will create a paradigm shift in distribution and syndication. The new venture gives a clear impetus to digitalization. Also, it brings more channels and greater flexibility to consumers.”
According to him, “The Company will be the focal point not only for content and media distribution but also to drive the Content asset monetization business of TV18, Viacom18, A+E Networks I TV18 and Eenadu Group. The growth and way forward for media brands in the journey ahead is through Content Asset Monetization – taking content across geographies, platforms and mediums.”
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With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
