Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company ($DIS) is an American mass media conglomerate that owns broadcast television, cable television and radio networks; theme parks, movie studios and the Disney+ streaming app. Its properties include ABC, 21st Century Fox, FX and Disney Plus. It co-owns cable sports channel ESPN with Hearst Communications.
Sources: Disney won’t run ads in ad-free tiers, despite change to user agreements
A small tweak to a user agreement in some parts of the world had the Internet abuzz with rumors that Disney will start streaming ads in commercial-free tiers.
FACT CHECK
Disney Plus rolls out curated playlists globally
Disney is rolling out a new feature that allows subscribers of its flagship streaming service Disney Plus to find shows and movies through curated playlists.
Allen Media renews ABC affiliation agreement for seven stations
The agreement keeps ABC entertainment, news and sports programming on Allen-owned stations across Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin and Michigan.
North Carolina governor backs Disney, ABC in ongoing fight with FCC
Governor Josh Stein argued the FCC should exercise its licensing authority in a way that protects press freedom under the First Amendment.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Groups seek to join Disney’s lawsuit against FCC over ABC licenses
The proposed intervenors support Disney’s challenge but argue the company’s corporate interests may not always align with the interests of viewers.
FIRST ON THE DESK
ABC News Live expands programming slate with three new shows
ABC News Live is launching several new shows, including a celebrity interview program and a health and medical show, as it looks to reach more viewers with its free streaming nwes channel.
ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93
Rasmussen co-founded ESPN in the late 1970s from a building in Connecticut, influencing worldwide sports broadcasting for decades.
Disney, ABC sue FCC over probe that triggered license renewals
The FCC ordered early review of the stations’ broadcast licenses in April, years before they were set to expire; Disney says the move was retaliation over unfavorable programming.
Deals with streamers helps radio-focused iHeart pivot during Q2
Streaming pacts with Netflix and Disney are providing incremental revenue to its overall business, but traditional broadcasting represents the largest — but declining — share of revenue.
EARNINGS REPORT
Hearst to acquire full ownership of A+E Global Media
Hearst has agreed to acquire Disney's equity stake in A+E Global Media, the companies announced this week.
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin warns FCC against probe into ABC’s TV licenses
Raskin said federal lawmakers might bring more heat to the FCC in the future if it continues to carry out politically-motivated attacks against broadcasters.
Disney’s ABC, ESPN sell out advertising inventory for Super Bowl LXI
The sell-through was achieved earlier than some of Disney's peer broadcasters in prior-year Super Bowls, despite not having the championship game for two decades.
SUPER BOWL LXI