KKR has acquired CNBC-TV18 for $1.4 billion, taking full ownership of India’s pioneering business news channel. The transaction, confirmed by both parties, transfers the Mumbai-based broadcaster from its previous parent, Network18, to the global investment firm. The deal marks one of the largest media acquisitions in India this year and reshapes the competitive landscape for financial journalism in the country.
CNBC-TV18, launched on December 7, 1999, was the first business news channel in India and continues to lead that segment. Its coverage spans corporate news, financial markets, investment strategy, and management insights, with a reputation for benchmark reporting across industry verticals. For over two decades, the channel has tracked India’s economic evolution, from liberalisation-era growth to the current digital era, making it a trusted source for investors, executives, and policymakers.
For KKR, the acquisition is a strategic entry into India’s media sector, leveraging the firm’s deep experience in content and distribution assets globally. The purchase gives KKR a dominant platform in business journalism, a niche with high barriers to entry and strong advertising demand. The deal also aligns with KKR’s broader focus on high-growth Asian markets, where financial information consumption is expanding rapidly alongside retail investing and corporate transparency.
The transaction is expected to close after regulatory approvals, with CNBC-TV18’s existing editorial team and brand remaining intact. KKR has indicated it will support the channel’s digital expansion and potential new programming, though specific plans have not been disclosed. The combined entity will pair KKR’s capital and operational expertise with CNBC-TV18’s established audience and editorial authority, positioning it to compete more aggressively against both legacy networks and digital-first financial media entrants.