Reliance Industries Limited’s media and entertainment business delivered a robust performance in the third quarter of FY26, with JioStar emerging as a key growth driver across television, digital streaming and sports broadcasting. The media arm reported gross revenue of Rs.8,010 cr during the quarter, supported by strong viewership, rising digital engagement and steady advertising momentum.
According to an RIL press release issued with the company’s Q3 FY26 financial and operational performance, JioStar also recorded an EBITDA of Rs.1,303 cr, translating into a healthy margin of 18.9 percent, while profit after tax stood at Rs.888 cr. The numbers underline the growing scale and profitability of Reliance’s media business at a time when the industry is navigating rapid shifts in consumer behaviour and platform economics.
On the broadcast television front, JioStar continued to consolidate its leadership, reaching over 830 million viewers during the quarter and delivering more than 60 billion hours of watch time. The network’s television entertainment viewership share improved by 100 basis points year-on-year to 34.6 percent, placing it close to the combined share of the next three largest networks. The growth was driven by strong performance across Hindi and regional general entertainment channels, particularly marquee reality and non-fiction formats.
Digital streaming platform JioHotstar also saw a sharp rise in engagement, averaging 450 million monthly active users in Q3 FY26, up 13 per cent quarter-on-quarter. The company noted that the quarter marked the platform’s highest-ever engagement for entertainment content, indicating sustained traction beyond live sports. Popular reality shows, original series, blockbuster film premieres and international content contributed to longer viewing hours and repeat consumption.
Sports broadcasting remained a significant pillar of growth for JioStar. High-profile cricket tournaments, including international bilateral series, continued to draw large audiences, while the ICC Women’s World Cup final, in which India emerged victorious, attracted 99 million digital viewers. The strong response reinforced the rising appeal of women’s sports and the platform’s ability to deliver scale across both linear television and digital streaming.
Beyond viewership metrics, Reliance highlighted continued investments in content innovation and technology. The quarter saw the rollout of enhanced viewing features such as multi-view sports streams and interactive fan experiences, alongside experimentation with AI-led storytelling. Original shows and series from the platform also received industry recognition, featuring among top-rated Indian titles and winning awards across domestic and international forums.
With television leadership, expanding digital reach and a diversified sports portfolio, Reliance’s media business continues to strengthen its position as a core pillar within the group’s broader consumer-facing ecosystem, reflecting a strategy focused on scale, engagement and long-term value creation.
FY26 Q3 pay TV viewership dips; telecom subs, revenues up: TRAI
India’s football body invites commercial rights bids for 15 years
NDTV India, NDTV 24×7 lead YouTube viewership amid major news cycle
SC judge Nagarathna says media can’t perform under constraint
JioStar’s Piyush Goyal outlines vision for ‘Any Screen, Any Pipe’ future of TV
‘Scary Movie’ returns with 6th instalment, set for June release
WPP Media elevates Dipti Gulati as APMEA VP for Client Growth
Apple TV cancels Kristen Wiig-led comedy ‘Palm Royale’
Jio Platforms appoints Dan Bailey as prez to drive global expansion
Rising Bharat ’26: PM outlined vision of self-reliance, AI leadership 

