History of CNN-News18 in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

CNN-News18 is a prominent Indian English-language news television channel, operating as a joint venture between Network18 and Warner Bros. Discovery. Established in 2005, the channel has positioned itself as a major player in the Indian media landscape, offering round-the-clock news coverage, investigative reports, and in-depth analysis of national and international affairs. It is widely recognized for its high-decibel debates, extensive political reporting, and comprehensive coverage of breaking news events. The network leverages the global brand equity of CNN while maintaining a focus on domestic issues, politics, economy, and social developments. Through its digital platforms and satellite broadcasts, CNN-News18 maintains a significant reach across India, serving as a primary source of information for a large, diverse audience. The channel is frequently noted for its editorial stance, which often aligns with mainstream nationalist discourse, making it a pivotal platform for political communication and public debate in India.

December 2005: Launch of CNN-IBN in India

On 18 December 2005, Turner Broadcasting System partnered with Global Broadcast News, now known as TV18 Broadcast Limited, to launch the news channel CNN-IBN in India to reach a broader audience beyond urban centers.

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March 2010: Initiation of Pre-games Publicity

Starting in March 2010, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee began utilizing CNN-IBN and NDTV exclusively for pre-games and sponsorship publicity, a practice later criticized in an August 2011 CAG report for lacking competitive tendering.

June 2010: Conclusion of Exclusive Publicity Phase

The period of exclusive pre-games and sponsorship publicity on CNN-IBN and NDTV, which began in March 2010, concluded in June 2010; this exclusivity was later highlighted as a concern in an August 2011 CAG report.

August 2011: CAG Report on Commonwealth Games Irregularities

On 5 August 2011, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India released a report regarding the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which alleged that the Organising Committee used arbitrary methods and lacked competitive tendering when awarding broadcasting contracts to CNN-IBN and NDTV.

January 2012: Reliance Industries begins investment in Network18

Starting in January 2012, Reliance Industries began making strategic investments in Network18, which provided the conglomerate with indirect control over the TV18 network.

May 2014: Reliance Industries acquisition of Network18 Group

In May 2014, Reliance Industries announced a significant acquisition of the Network18 Group, a move described as the largest deal in the history of Indian media.

December 2015: CNN-News18 Brand Licensing Renewal

In December 2015, it was officially announced that the brand licensing agreement for CNN-News18 had been successfully renewed for an additional term.

2015: Non-renewal of Turner Broadcasting and Network 18 licensing agreement

In 2015, it was officially announced that the existing licensing agreement between Turner Broadcasting and Network 18 would not be renewed, signaling a major change in their partnership.

January 2016: Expiration of Turner Broadcasting and Network 18 licensing agreement

The licensing agreement between Turner Broadcasting and Network 18 officially expired in January 2016, following the non-renewal notice issued in 2015.