According to a report of ET Online, The website jiohotstar.com, a domain of now merged groups Reliance Jio and Disney Hotstar, is finally with Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., ending claims of ownership by a Delhi man and Dubai siblings.

According to WHOIS data, the domain jiohotstar.com is now registered under Mukesh Ambani-owned Viacom18. The registration, initially made on September 20, 2023, remains valid until September 20, 2026, with the most recent update logged on December 2, 2024. The registrant, administrative, and technical contact is listed as Manish Painuly, representing Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

The Domain's Journey: From Delhi Developer to Dubai Siblings

A Delhi-based app developer claimed to have acquired the domain name "JioHotstar.com" in anticipation of a possible merger between Reliance's JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.

In an open letter on the website, the developer approached Reliance Industries, suggesting they sponsor his higher education in return for the domain.

Subsequently, the domain was sold to Dubai-based siblings, Jainam and Jivika, who took ownership from the developer.

The siblings had expressed their willingness to transfer the JioHotstar domain name to "Team Reliance" at no cost. On the website, they stated: "With all the discussions happening, we now think it might be best for Team Reliance to have this domain, if they want it. We are happy to give [JioHotstar domain] to them for free, with all the proper paperwork."

The siblings made this decision after receiving multiple offers to purchase the domain, including some genuine bids offering substantial amounts. Despite this, they emphasised that the domain was never for sale.

They explained that they had acquired the domain to support the original developer and highlight their "seva (service) journey." They emphasized that their intention was never to profit from the domain or stir up controversy.

Impact on Media Landscape

The merger of Viacom18's TV and digital businesses with Star India, along with the acquisition of the JioHotstar domain, marks a transformative shift in India's media and entertainment landscape. This ₹70,352 crore deal consolidates the market, creating a powerhouse capable of challenging global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime. With a robust portfolio of regional and premium content, live sports rights, and integration with Jio's telecom network, Viacom18 is bound to dominate viewership across platforms. The deal also intensifies competition with Zee-Sony, reshaping advertising dynamics, subscription models, and consumer choices while reinforcing India's emergence as a major global media hub.