Network18 has extended its long-standing licensing and brand partnership with CNN International for its flagship English news channel, CNN-News18, renewing the agreement for another decade. The renewed deal will now run until 31 December 2035, reinforcing one of the most enduring collaborations in India’s television news landscape.

According to a press release, Network18 and CNN have further strengthened a relationship that began in 2005 and was first renewed in 2015. Entering its third decade, the partnership is being positioned for the next phase of growth, with a sharper focus on digital expansion and connected TV (CTV), alongside the traditional television offering.

A key highlight of the renewed agreement is CNN-News18’s expanded digital ambition. The channel plans to scale its presence beyond India, extending its reach to international audiences through platforms such as YouTube and connected TV. This move is aimed at building a strong global digital footprint and ensuring that CNN-News18 content is accessible across devices and geographies.

Commenting on the renewal, Rahul Joshi, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Network18 Group, described the partnership as a landmark collaboration in global news. He said that while the TV news alliance has flourished over the past two decades, the renewed agreement opens up new growth avenues, particularly through digital and connected TV platforms.

The Network18–CNN partnership gains added relevance at a time when news consumption has become increasingly “glocal”, with global developments directly impacting local audiences. CNN’s extensive international newsgathering capabilities, combined with Network18’s reach and credibility in India, enables CNN-News18 to offer a comprehensive and globally contextual view of current affairs.

With the refreshed partnership, CNN-News18 has further consolidated its position as a leading destination for English news in India. The channel is known for breaking major stories quickly, securing key newsmakers, and ensuring that audiences can access news seamlessly across television, digital platforms and connected devices. It continues to uphold its long-standing brand promise—“On Your Side”.

CNN International, which is part of Warner Bros. Discovery, will continue to bring its global editorial strength and leadership to the collaboration. Phil Nelson, Executive Vice President, CNN International Commercial, said that strong affiliate partnerships have been central to CNN since its inception and expressed confidence in extending the relationship with Network18, one of CNN’s largest and most prominent affiliates worldwide.

CNN-News18 has also recently refreshed its on-air look, adopting a more contemporary and stylish aesthetic to enhance viewer experience. Importantly, all content is now produced to be inherently TV- and digital-ready, allowing for seamless distribution across broadcast, digital and CTV platforms. The channel has significantly scaled up its connected TV presence to serve audiences increasingly consuming news on large-screen digital devices.

Looking ahead, Network18 plans to make further investments in CNN-News18’s digital, technological and editorial capabilities to strengthen its leadership position and expand its footprint both in India and internationally. The channel operates from a state-of-the-art facility in the New Delhi region, supported by bureaus across the country, a strong editorial and production team, and Network18’s advanced broadcast infrastructure and news-gathering technology.