At the launch of the FICCI–EY Media & Entertainment Report 2026, Kevin Vaz, CEO of JioStar Entertainment, highlighted a defining shift in India’s media landscape-growth is being driven by addition, not substitution. Instead of choosing between digital and traditional formats, India is emerging as an “AND” market where multiple platforms grow simultaneously.
The report values the Indian M&E industry at ₹2.78 trillion, with growth outpacing the broader economy. Digital media continues to lead, fueled by advertising, subscriptions, and e-commerce. However, traditional formats such as television, print, and cinema remain resilient, while connected TV and mobile consumption are accelerating multi-platform engagement.
This convergence has created a seamless, multi-screen ecosystem where consumers switch effortlessly between devices based on context. Sports continues to be a major driver of scale and engagement. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, for instance, recorded 72.5 million concurrent streams on JioHotstar, underscoring the strength of India’s digital viewership.
Cinema is also thriving, with over 1,900 releases and several films crossing the ₹1 billion mark. Additionally, live events and experiential formats are gaining traction, expanding the industry’s scope.
Vaz also pointed to the growing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping content creation, personalisation, and efficiency, while raising important considerations around copyright and fair compensation.
With the sector projected to cross ₹3 trillion by 2027, India’s M&E industry is evolving into a diverse, innovation-led ecosystem where platforms complement rather than compete.
