A Delhi-based app developer has taken an unconventional approach to fund his ambition of studying at Cambridge University. He's offering to sell the domain name "jiohotstar.com" to either Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) or Viacom18 for a fee, anticipating it might serve as the ideal brand name for the merging streaming platform.
According to a message on the website, www.jiohotstar.com, the developer addressed executives of Reliance, hinting at their potential interest due to the recent merger discussions between Disney+ Hotstar and Viacom18. While the deal remains unofficial, there is speculation it could lead to a rebranding effort, creating a demand for the JioHotstar domain name.
CCI and NCLT Approvals Enable Major Media Merger
In August 2024, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the merger of Disney Star and RIL's Viacom18. This deal, valued at $8.5 billion, represents one of India’s largest media and entertainment mergers, marking a pivotal shift in the industry.
The app developer’s decision to purchase the domain in advance stems from his belief that Reliance would rebrand Disney+ Hotstar as JioHotstar, aligning it with previous rebrandings like JioSaavn. The developer remarked that his inspiration came in 2023 after Disney+ Hotstar lost daily users due to a lapse in streaming the IPL.
Funding a Cambridge Dream
In a personal note on the website, the developer explained his intention: to fund his Cambridge education. After working on a project that was selected for Cambridge University's Accelerate program in 2021, he developed a keen desire to pursue a full degree in entrepreneurship. However, the high cost posed a significant challenge.
"The Accelerate program exposed me to valuable insights in the startup world, but a full degree in entrepreneurship at Cambridge has always been my dream. Acquiring the JioHotstar domain was a step toward funding this aspiration if the merger creates demand for it," he expressed.
Proposal on the Table
The developer's message concluded with a straightforward offer: if Reliance or Viacom18 is interested, they can contact me via the official website email with proper authorization. While he considers the sale a minor expense for a conglomerate, he described it as potentially life-changing for himself.
As of now, neither Reliance nor Disney Hotstar has issued any response.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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