Network18 and DistroTV, a leading independent, free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platform, yesterday announced a partnership that will enable the latter’s users in India to stream Network18’s diverse portfolio of TV channels live and for free.

In its initial phase, the partnership has seen the launch of Network18’s key channels such as CNN-News18, News18 India, CNBC TV18 and CNBC Awaaz on the platform. The collaboration is expected to be strengthened with additions of more Network18 channels from across its regional and digital portfolio in the near future, a joint media statement from the vtwo media companies stated.

Speaking on the new partnership, Pranav Bakshi, Head, Video Strategy & Partnerships, Network18, said, “We are excited to join forces with DistroTV. This partnership aligns with our goal of providing a best-in-class user experience for our viewers across the country. The launch of our diverse set of channels on DistroTV is a testament to our commitment to innovation in the dynamic media landscape. We hope to reach maximum audiences on the platform.”

“DistroTV is thrilled to partner with Network18, a media powerhouse that has revolutionized the Indian media landscape,” said Navdeep Saini, co-founder & CEO, DistroScale, parent company of DistroTV.

Vikas Khanchandani, CEO, DistroScale India, SEA and MENA, added, “Our collaboration with Network18 aligns perfectly with our mission to cater to the diverse language preferences of our audiences in India. Network18 has been at the cutting edge of News and is amongst the largest news networks offering content across languages and markets.”

DistroTV is a big independent, free, ad-supported streaming television service on the market. Launched in 2019 by the US-based parent company DistroScale, the platform caters to a multicultural, rapidly expanding, globally-minded audience of passionate viewers.