Bob Iger Says Disney’s Linear TV Assets Are “Not a Burden”

On Wednesday, Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, expressed great optimism regarding the value of their traditional television assets in a straightforward manner.

During a recent financial call, Iger expressed that our linear networks within the company have shifted from being a burden to becoming a valuable resource instead.”

This version maintains the original meaning but uses simpler and more conversational language.

He mentioned that we’re investing in their development and financing them substantially enough to boost our entire television enterprise, encompassing and prioritizing streaming – a sector widely recognized as the future of TV broadcasting.

In a recent statement, Iger’s comments indicated a shift from his previous remarks made during a 2023 CNBC interview in July. Previously, he expressed doubts about the importance of linear networks to Disney as the company focused on streaming. However, his latest statements suggest that traditional TV assets and the evolving streaming platforms are now being handled together, implying that broadcast and cable assets have been withdrawn from potential sale.

He mentioned to analysts that while it’s not entirely out of the question that some minor networks might be structured differently when it comes to distribution, perhaps even ownership, he currently feels confident with what they already have. This seems to suggest that the speculation about Disney selling its ABC broadcast network and stations, which started in 2023, may not be accurate.

During that period, Iger enlisted the expertise of Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, once high-ranking studio executives, to provide insights on potential transactions involving our linear TV properties apart from ESPN, such as the ABC television network and the FX cable network.

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2025-02-05 17:56