Thursday, March 15, 2018

Disney Restructures As Digital Disruption Shakes Up Media Industry

Walt Disney Co. announced Wednesday that it is restructuring, combining its international media business and its streaming content into one unit and creating another unit to house its consumer products business along with Disney Parks and Resorts.

According to The LA Times, the move is the latest effort by a legacy Hollywood studio to restructure operations at a time of massive digital disruption in the traditional film and TV industry.

As Disney prepares to buy film and TV assets owned by 21st Century Fox, a $52.4-billion deal that requires federal regulatory approval, it was expected to restructure to find a way to integrate Fox's assets into Disney's business infrastructure.

Disney's new direct-to-consumer and international unit will include the upcoming Disney-branded streaming service and the planned ESPN+ streaming service, as well as Disney's stake in Hulu. Kevin Mayer, who has been Disney's chief strategy officer since 2015, was named chairman of that unit.

Bob Chapek, who most recently served as chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, was named chairman of the parks, experiences and consumer products unit.

"We are strategically positioning our businesses for the future, creating a more effective, global framework to serve consumers worldwide, increase growth and maximize shareholder value," Robert A. Iger, Disney's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. "With our unparalleled studio and media networks serving as content engines for the company, we are combining the management of our direct-to-consumer distribution platforms, technology and international operations to deliver the entertainment and sports content consumers around the world want most, with more choice, personalization and convenience than ever before."

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