Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, is reportedly considering selling some of the company’s TV and streaming assets, and there are even talks of a possible sale of the entire company. During an interview, Iger hinted at the potential sale of ABC and its local stations, stating that they may not be core to Disney’s business.
Disney’s streaming services, including the highly anticipated Disney+, have been facing challenges with financial losses and a decline in subscribers. The service suffered a significant setback in India, where it struggled to make a mark in a highly competitive market.
Despite these setbacks, Iger plans to hold onto the popular streaming platform Hulu and intends to launch a combined app for Hulu and Disney+. By integrating the two services, Disney hopes to streamline its offerings and potentially attract more subscribers.
If Disney were to sell its TV networks, it could potentially generate around $8 billion. Potential buyers for these assets are expected to be financial entities such as private equity firms, who could see value in acquiring established television networks.
While Iger intends to keep ESPN, he is actively looking for a partner to collaborate with the sports network. This could involve teaming up with sports companies or even tech giant Apple, who has been rumored to be interested in acquiring Disney since Iger’s return in 2021.
TV has traditionally been a significant source of revenue and operating income for Disney. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the industry, causing a decline in advertising revenue and viewer engagement.
It is worth noting that Iger has a deep-rooted history in television. He began his career at ABC and eventually worked his way up to become the CEO of Disney. His experience and expertise in the TV industry may influence the way he navigates the potential sale of Disney’s TV networks.
As news of the potential sale circulates, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions on Iger and Disney’s decision to potentially part ways with the TV networks. The comment section serves as a platform for discussion and engagement with the Swerd Media community.