A Delhi-based app developer has embarked on an unconventional path to finance his ambition of studying at Cambridge University, proposing to sell the domain “JioHotstar.com” to Reliance Industries (RIL) or Viacom18. He believes the domain aligns with RIL’s potential plans to merge Disney+ Hotstar with Viacom18’s digital portfolio.
The developer’s open letter on the straightforward jiohotstar.com website invites executives of RIL and Viacom18 to consider the domain’s acquisition, which he anticipates could become relevant if Reliance pursues the Disney+ Hotstar merger.
CCI and NCLT Greenlight Disney Star-Reliance Viacom18 Merger
The proposal coincides with recent regulatory approvals from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in August 2024, sanctioning the merger of Disney Star with RIL’s Viacom18. This $8.5 billion deal is expected to reshape India’s media landscape, establishing one of the country’s largest entertainment networks.
A Vision Sparked by News of Disney+ Hotstar’s User Decline
In his online note, the app developer details his inspiration, revealing that a 2023 news report on Disney+ Hotstar’s declining daily active users, following its loss of IPL streaming rights, led him to hypothesize a merger. He recalls Reliance’s past approach in rebranding Saavn to JioSaavn after its acquisition, suggesting a similar rebranding approach for Hotstar as “JioHotstar” should a merger proceed. “This idea made me think I could fund my Cambridge dreams by selling this domain,” he shared.
Cambridge Dream: A Vision Born from Experience
The app developer’s drive for Cambridge stems from his experience with Cambridge University’s Accelerate programme in 2021, which he credits with valuable insights into startup growth. He notes that while the programme offered practical experience, his ambition is to pursue a full degree in entrepreneurship, describing Cambridge as a long-held aspiration he could not afford independently.
An Opportunity for RIL
In light of the recent merger, the developer’s proposal presents the “JioHotstar” domain as an optimal brand transition that would retain user familiarity with both Jio and Hotstar. He encourages RIL representatives to connect via mail@jiohotstar.com for further negotiations, asserting that the sale could be a modest investment for RIL but life-changing for him.
There is no official word yet from RIL or Viacom18 on the developer’s offer.
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