JioStar, the media powerhouse formed through a joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited, Viacom18 Media, and The Walt Disney Company, has announced key leadership appointments as part of its strategic reorganization. Valued at approximately ₹70,352 crore (US$8.5 billion), JioStar merges media assets from JioCinema, Star India, and Viacom18, creating an unparalleled entity in the Indian media landscape.
With a portfolio of 100 TV channels, over 30,000 hours of annual programming, and a growing digital subscriber base of more than 50 million, JioStar is set to dominate the regional and national entertainment sectors. Reliance Industries holds a 56% majority stake in the joint venture, backed by a ₹11,500 crore (US$1.4 billion) investment.
Key Appointments
- Raghava Vaidyula: Leading JioStar’s Telugu operations, Vaidyula brings more than 25 years of broadcast industry experience. Previously, he held leadership roles at MAA TV, a division of Star India, including Senior Vice President of Programming and Business Head. Vaidyula began his career at Gemini TV, where he spent over 11 years honing his expertise in regional content.
- Kishan Kumar: Overseeing JioStar’s Malayalam business, Kumar, a MICA alumnus, has two decades of experience in media strategy, business development, and talent management. He has served as Executive Director of Channel Business at Asianet for Disney Star and played a pivotal role in making Maxus South India’s largest media agency.
- Sushma Rajesh: Heading JioStar’s Kannada operations, Rajesh boasts extensive experience in the broadcast sector. She previously served as Cluster Head for Kannada and Marathi at Viacom18 and as Senior Vice President & Business Head-Kannada at The Walt Disney Company. Rajesh has also been instrumental in shaping Star India’s portfolio, including channels like Star Plus and Star Jalsha.
Strategic Vision
The appointment of seasoned leaders in Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada markets underscores JioStar’s commitment to delivering high-quality regional content and leveraging its vast resources for innovation. The new leadership team is tasked with strengthening the brand’s regional presence, expanding its digital footprint, and creating a compelling viewer experience across platforms.
JioStar’s reorganization marks a significant step in redefining India’s media landscape, reinforcing its position as a dominant force in entertainment and digital engagement. With these strategic moves, JioStar aims to further solidify its leadership in India’s dynamic and competitive media industry.
