It is the not the first time a corporate house has taken control over media content distribution, however, a “strategic” investment by Reliance Industries in Network 18 does raise several questions on the objectivity of news on the cash-rich behemoth.

Here is the deal in nutshell: Independent Media Trust, an RIL entity, will extend financing to Raghav Bahl-promoted Network 18 which soon comes out with Rs 2,700 crore rights issue to finance the acquisition of Eenadu TV and to repay its debts. In return, Mukesh Ambani will get the right to show the channels of this combined entity to subscribers for its broadband 4G foray. Hence, the structured deal becomes a win-win for both the parties.

But the more important question lurches around the objectivity of news on RIL-promoted companies. For instance, Ambani would get control over the content of CNBC-TV18, which is one of the most-watched business channels by the investor community in India and outside.