A few weeks ago, we shared news about the highly anticipated return of Bob Iger, one of the most celebrated CEOs in the history of entertainment. Now, we delve into the first decisive actions he plans to take to revitalize Disney and its streaming platform. And let us tell you, these are no small moves. Bob Iger is taking bold steps to rejuvenate Disney and its streaming service. The first major decision involves a strategic shift in content production for the coming seasons. The CEO has determined that it’s time to prioritize the streaming platform and adopt a more selective approach to the content released each year. After the flops of the last Marvel feature movies, Iger seems to believe that investments in mega-productions are rarely profitable. This move alone is projected to save the company a staggering $3 billion in costs.
But that’s not the only change on Iger’s agenda. In fact, his original contract has been extended until 2026, an additional two years beyond the initial agreement. Iger emphasized the importance of not rushing the steps ahead, as there are crucial actions that require thoughtful planning and execution. As we look ahead to these upcoming decisions, some of them might come as unexpected surprises; a possible decision is to license content to competing streaming platforms and not keep original content only to Disney+. It will be interesting to see how contracts like these are written: revenue sharing, perhaps?
Some media outlets are referring to his decisions as a damage control measure, and this plan includes the potential sale of Disney TV properties. Apparently, Iger would be willing to dispose of the company’s assets that are lagging in their development and profitability. If we view it objectively or from a business perspective, it is evident that streaming platforms currently hold greater potential in terms of attention and attractiveness than the content provided by cable services. Currently, Disney owns properties like FX, National Geographic, ESPN, and ABC all have been suggested that might be changing ownership sometime soon, although recent statements by Iger like “sports stand very, very tall” may indicate that ESPN is perhaps likely to stay in the group.
However, the circulation of these rumors about potential selling has had a detrimental impact on both Bob and Disney’s
reputation, particularly among their employees. Many workers are anxious about the potential consequences of such selling actions on the workforce. Moreover, the recent statements made by the CEO concerning the Writer’s strike have added another reason for the already disgruntled workforce to doubt the company’s decisions.
Moreover, what adds intrigue to this situation is the apparent direction that Iger has chosen to pursue. While other companies are concentrating on generating more content and exploring innovative ways to increase revenue, Disney seems to be taking a contrasting approach by restructuring its business focus.
While it may be considered a bold move, it is still too early to definitively determine whether this approach is the right one. However, it appears that Iger is fully cognizant of the constraints Disney faces due to rising costs each year. The company seems to be embracing the philosophy of “Quality over quantity,” and in all honesty, we are optimistic that this strategic shift is the correct decision.
Undoubtedly, certain aspects of Disney’s business seem to be hindering its development, and the logical next move appears to involve parting ways with them. The enchanting world of Disney is currently undergoing a transformation, leaving us to wonder if other streaming services will also undergo similar changes. As the writer’s strike continues, the fact that a major player like Disney is already taking decisive action suggests that it won’t be long before other platforms follow suit.