“She-Hulk” star Tatiana Maslany went viral during the SAG-AFTRA strike last year when she called out Disney CEO Bob Iger for being “completely out of touch” due to his controversial comments about the Hollywood work stoppage. That “She-Hulk” was a Disney-backed Marvel series streaming on Disney+ only drew more heightened attention to her Iger call out.
“In those moments, you’re so heated up,” Maslany now told The Independent months later when asked about her decision to publicly criticize Iger. “It’s hard to articulate yourself in a way that you want when you’re on the picket line with everybody.”
Maslany was on the SAG-AFTRA picket line in New York City last July when The Hollywood Reporter asked her about Iger’s comments. She responded: “I think he’s completely out of touch. He’s completely out of touch with the workers who make his shows happen, who make people watch these shows,...
“In those moments, you’re so heated up,” Maslany now told The Independent months later when asked about her decision to publicly criticize Iger. “It’s hard to articulate yourself in a way that you want when you’re on the picket line with everybody.”
Maslany was on the SAG-AFTRA picket line in New York City last July when The Hollywood Reporter asked her about Iger’s comments. She responded: “I think he’s completely out of touch. He’s completely out of touch with the workers who make his shows happen, who make people watch these shows,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Speaking with CNBC this week, Disney chair Bob Iger said that his company, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery have confidence they’ll beat Fubo’s lawsuit.
It’s nearly two months to the day since Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery announced that a seismic shift in the world of sports broadcasting was coming. The three companies are planning to combine all of their live sports rights onto a new streaming platform that has a targeted launch date of fall 2024, but imposing hurdles like a Department of Justice antitrust review and a lawsuit from Fubo stand in its way. Despite those potential roadblocks, the tone struck by Disney CEO Bob Iger this week can best be described as unconcerned, as the executive seems to believe that the three companies do not have much to fear in terms of getting their new platform to market.
Speaking with CNBC this week, Iger...
It’s nearly two months to the day since Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery announced that a seismic shift in the world of sports broadcasting was coming. The three companies are planning to combine all of their live sports rights onto a new streaming platform that has a targeted launch date of fall 2024, but imposing hurdles like a Department of Justice antitrust review and a lawsuit from Fubo stand in its way. Despite those potential roadblocks, the tone struck by Disney CEO Bob Iger this week can best be described as unconcerned, as the executive seems to believe that the three companies do not have much to fear in terms of getting their new platform to market.
Speaking with CNBC this week, Iger...
- 4/5/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
During a shareholders call this week, Iger said that Disney had the chance to become the ‘ultimate streaming destination for consumers.’
Disney CEO Bob Iger appears to be feeling fairly confident these days. If that’s the case there’s good reason for it; Iger won another proxy fight against activist investor Nelson Peltz this week, securing enough votes to keep his candidates on the Disney board while he seeks a successor. On Thursday, Iger sat down with CNBC to discuss his victory and future vision for the company, unsurprisingly, Disney’s streaming fortunes came up in the course of the interview. Speaking with David Faber, Iger laid out his plan for Disney+ and Hulu and teased a future in which his company could compete directly with Netflix’s impressive streaming profit margins.
Iger reiterated that Disney expects its streaming business to be profitable by the company’s fourth fiscal quarter.
Disney CEO Bob Iger appears to be feeling fairly confident these days. If that’s the case there’s good reason for it; Iger won another proxy fight against activist investor Nelson Peltz this week, securing enough votes to keep his candidates on the Disney board while he seeks a successor. On Thursday, Iger sat down with CNBC to discuss his victory and future vision for the company, unsurprisingly, Disney’s streaming fortunes came up in the course of the interview. Speaking with David Faber, Iger laid out his plan for Disney+ and Hulu and teased a future in which his company could compete directly with Netflix’s impressive streaming profit margins.
Iger reiterated that Disney expects its streaming business to be profitable by the company’s fourth fiscal quarter.
- 4/4/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
With the Nelson Peltz proxy fight in the rearview mirror, Disney CEO Bob Iger says that he is now free to focus on moving the company forward, with succession being a top priority.
In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC on Thursday morning, Iger said that in meeting with shareholders over the past few months, succession was a key issue, and he sought to reassure the Street that he was focused on the problem.
“The board engaged in a succession process the moment I came back, and they’re taking it very, very seriously. I don’t think it has changed because of the activism battle at all,” Iger told CNBC’s David Faber. “They established this as their number one priority from the moment I came back, they formed a committee right away, they’ve been meeting regularly, they’re going to meet even more regularly going forward because I...
In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC on Thursday morning, Iger said that in meeting with shareholders over the past few months, succession was a key issue, and he sought to reassure the Street that he was focused on the problem.
“The board engaged in a succession process the moment I came back, and they’re taking it very, very seriously. I don’t think it has changed because of the activism battle at all,” Iger told CNBC’s David Faber. “They established this as their number one priority from the moment I came back, they formed a committee right away, they’ve been meeting regularly, they’re going to meet even more regularly going forward because I...
- 4/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bob Iger just put the shush-finger up (he probably wanted to do the middle one) to Elon Musk and anyone else who says Disney’s content is more about social-justice issues these days than entertainment.
On Thursday, Iger sat with CNBC reporter David Faber at Disney HQ. The Disney chief was primarily there to celebrate his proxy-fight victory over Nelson Peltz, Ike Perlmutter, and other activist investors, but the topics went wide over the 30-minute conversation.
After the requisite stuff about the Disney board (status quo is good!), its Iger succession plan (no updates!), Disney+ and Hulu together (“doing extremely well”), their coming password-sharing crackdown, and a whole bunch on sports (no name or price point still on coming joint venture), Faber went “woke.” Well, he asked about the high-profile public figures, specifically Twitter/X owner Musk, who use the term as a pejorative when discussing Disney — how does Iger handle it?...
On Thursday, Iger sat with CNBC reporter David Faber at Disney HQ. The Disney chief was primarily there to celebrate his proxy-fight victory over Nelson Peltz, Ike Perlmutter, and other activist investors, but the topics went wide over the 30-minute conversation.
After the requisite stuff about the Disney board (status quo is good!), its Iger succession plan (no updates!), Disney+ and Hulu together (“doing extremely well”), their coming password-sharing crackdown, and a whole bunch on sports (no name or price point still on coming joint venture), Faber went “woke.” Well, he asked about the high-profile public figures, specifically Twitter/X owner Musk, who use the term as a pejorative when discussing Disney — how does Iger handle it?...
- 4/4/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
A day after Disney declared victory over activist investor Nelson Peltz, CEO Bob Iger said the board is proceeding with “urgency” in trying to identify the next chief executive with the “distraction” of the proxy fight over.
“This was decisive in terms of how shareholders voted,” Iger said in an appearance Thursday morning on CNBC from Disney’s Burbank, Calif., headquarters, about the results of the April 3 meeting.
Succession “is the board’s No. 1 priority,” Iger said, saying the board’s search committee to find a CEO successor met seven times in 2023 and plans to meet even more frequently this year. “They’re treating it with a sense of urgency because it is so important,” Iger said. The board is “taking it very, very seriously” because “I’m not going to be here forever.” Iger declined to provide a timeline for the selection of a new CEO; his contract extension...
“This was decisive in terms of how shareholders voted,” Iger said in an appearance Thursday morning on CNBC from Disney’s Burbank, Calif., headquarters, about the results of the April 3 meeting.
Succession “is the board’s No. 1 priority,” Iger said, saying the board’s search committee to find a CEO successor met seven times in 2023 and plans to meet even more frequently this year. “They’re treating it with a sense of urgency because it is so important,” Iger said. The board is “taking it very, very seriously” because “I’m not going to be here forever.” Iger declined to provide a timeline for the selection of a new CEO; his contract extension...
- 4/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Here’s one TV-news shake-up that won’t have the anchors scrambling to call their agents.
CNBC on Monday is set to debut a new look, one that will radically change the stock tickers that have scrolled along the network’s screen for years — along with many other elements. Indeed, says Robert Poulton, the vice president and executive creative director supervising the overhaul, executives expect at least a few viewers to be surprised or even put off by the redesign.
Viewers who tune in early Monday morning to “Worldwide Exchange” may notice that CNBC’s two scrolling tickers have been reduced to one. New space at the bottom of the screen — a “bottom line,” if you will — has been granted to top market indices, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500. Previously, these stats were stacked atop one another in the bottom-right corner of the screen,...
CNBC on Monday is set to debut a new look, one that will radically change the stock tickers that have scrolled along the network’s screen for years — along with many other elements. Indeed, says Robert Poulton, the vice president and executive creative director supervising the overhaul, executives expect at least a few viewers to be surprised or even put off by the redesign.
Viewers who tune in early Monday morning to “Worldwide Exchange” may notice that CNBC’s two scrolling tickers have been reduced to one. New space at the bottom of the screen — a “bottom line,” if you will — has been granted to top market indices, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500. Previously, these stats were stacked atop one another in the bottom-right corner of the screen,...
- 12/10/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
3rd Update, 9:59 Pm: In a note to members that just went out, the WGA says it will be meeting Friday with the AMPTP and CEOs from Netflix, Universal, Warner Bros Discovery and Disney for more talks.
2nd Update 8:55 Pm: The writers’ strike is not over yet,
Despite putting in a long second day of direct talks, top CEOs, the AMPTP and the WGA did not close a deal tonight. While sources say both sides are open and willing to gather round the bargaining table, no further talks are officially scheduled.
However, negotiating committees for both the writers and the Carol Lombardini-run AMPTP plus Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, Universal’s Donna Langley and Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav have all indicated they will try to convene a meeting tomorrow, we’re told.
Bob Iger, Ted Sarandos, David Zaslav & Donna Langley
As rumors of...
2nd Update 8:55 Pm: The writers’ strike is not over yet,
Despite putting in a long second day of direct talks, top CEOs, the AMPTP and the WGA did not close a deal tonight. While sources say both sides are open and willing to gather round the bargaining table, no further talks are officially scheduled.
However, negotiating committees for both the writers and the Carol Lombardini-run AMPTP plus Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, Universal’s Donna Langley and Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav have all indicated they will try to convene a meeting tomorrow, we’re told.
Bob Iger, Ted Sarandos, David Zaslav & Donna Langley
As rumors of...
- 9/22/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Writers and actors in Hollywood may be ready to head back to work. That’s according to CNBC reporter David Faber, who states that representatives of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) sat down with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on Wednesday and they are “near agreement” on a deal.
Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday, according to a joint statement released by the WGA and AMPTP. Sources close to the talks told Faber that they’re optimistic Thursday’s session will lead to a deal, but if it doesn’t the strike that first began in May could continue through the end of 2023.
That strike has brought some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, like the final season of Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” to a screeching halt. Streaming has a big role in the motivations behind the writers’ strike; one item writers have been...
Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday, according to a joint statement released by the WGA and AMPTP. Sources close to the talks told Faber that they’re optimistic Thursday’s session will lead to a deal, but if it doesn’t the strike that first began in May could continue through the end of 2023.
That strike has brought some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, like the final season of Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” to a screeching halt. Streaming has a big role in the motivations behind the writers’ strike; one item writers have been...
- 9/21/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
“It is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months,” Bob Iger said Wednesday on Disney’s Q3 earnings call about the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strike. “And I am personally committed to working to achieve this result.”
The words and tone of the CEO’s words represent a drastic shift from what he said dismissively about the WGA strike and the then-looming actors strike just a month ago.
Of course, in the midst of the company’s 100th anniversary, today earnings results and call come on the same day that the scribes’ 2023 strike surpasses the 100 days that the 2007-2008 strike lasted and heads into almost uncharted territory. At 153 days, the 1988 writers’ strike remains the longest labor action in the WGA’s history, for the time being.
“Nothing is more important to this company than its relationships...
The words and tone of the CEO’s words represent a drastic shift from what he said dismissively about the WGA strike and the then-looming actors strike just a month ago.
Of course, in the midst of the company’s 100th anniversary, today earnings results and call come on the same day that the scribes’ 2023 strike surpasses the 100 days that the 2007-2008 strike lasted and heads into almost uncharted territory. At 153 days, the 1988 writers’ strike remains the longest labor action in the WGA’s history, for the time being.
“Nothing is more important to this company than its relationships...
- 8/9/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos addressed Hollywood’s dual SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes alongside the release of the company’s Q2 earnings results Wednesday.
“Let me start by making something absolutely clear: This strike us not an outcome that we wanted,” Sarandos said during Netflix’s pre-recorded Q2 earnings interview. “We make deals all the time. We are constantly at the table negotiating with writers with directors with actors and producers with everyone across the industry. And we very much hoped to reach an agreement by now. So I also want to say, if I may, on a personal level, I was raised in a union household. My dad was a member of Ibew Local 640. He was a union electrician. And I remember his local because that union was very much a part of our lives when I was growing up. And I also remember on more than one occasion my dad being out on strike.
“Let me start by making something absolutely clear: This strike us not an outcome that we wanted,” Sarandos said during Netflix’s pre-recorded Q2 earnings interview. “We make deals all the time. We are constantly at the table negotiating with writers with directors with actors and producers with everyone across the industry. And we very much hoped to reach an agreement by now. So I also want to say, if I may, on a personal level, I was raised in a union household. My dad was a member of Ibew Local 640. He was a union electrician. And I remember his local because that union was very much a part of our lives when I was growing up. And I also remember on more than one occasion my dad being out on strike.
- 7/19/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
It was a typical day on the set of “Gladiator 2” in Malta. British director Ridley Scott was orchestrating a complex sequence featuring the film’s star, Paul Mescal, and several hundred extras, all of it unfolding inside a replica of the Colosseum. They were more than halfway through the arduous three-month production of the film that marked the long-awaited sequel to Scott’s 2000 Oscar best picture winner, when, on July 13, at high noon, Scott called “Cut!” Quickly, word began to spread that half a world away, talks between SAG-AFTRA and the major studios and streaming services had collapsed.
Given that the cast and crew of the action epic had been living in a bubble, the prospect of a strike had seemed remote. But it didn’t take long for the grim reality to sink in. Within hours, Scott and his producers had sent a note to the crew...
Given that the cast and crew of the action epic had been living in a bubble, the prospect of a strike had seemed remote. But it didn’t take long for the grim reality to sink in. Within hours, Scott and his producers had sent a note to the crew...
- 7/19/2023
- by Brent Lang, Tatiana Siegel and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Bob Iger spoke at an offsite meeting with senior TV leaders and sought to calm “high anxiety” among thousands of employees after saying last week that linear television “may not be core” to Disney’s business, CNN’s Reliable Sources newsletter reported Wednesday.
The offsite was held Tuesday, according to the newsletter, citing people who attended. An individual with knowledge told TheWrap that the meeting, hosted by Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, had been planned for weeks, and that Iger had always planned to attend.
The returned CEO’s comments, made in a candid interview last week with David Faber of CNBC, “naturally set off alarm bells inside Disney General Entertainment Content, the division of the Magic Kingdom that houses its linear business and operates quintessential broadcast and cable networks such as ABC, the Disney Channel, National Geographic, and FX,” CNN reporter Oliver Darcy wrote.
People familiar with the matter...
The offsite was held Tuesday, according to the newsletter, citing people who attended. An individual with knowledge told TheWrap that the meeting, hosted by Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden, had been planned for weeks, and that Iger had always planned to attend.
The returned CEO’s comments, made in a candid interview last week with David Faber of CNBC, “naturally set off alarm bells inside Disney General Entertainment Content, the division of the Magic Kingdom that houses its linear business and operates quintessential broadcast and cable networks such as ABC, the Disney Channel, National Geographic, and FX,” CNN reporter Oliver Darcy wrote.
People familiar with the matter...
- 7/19/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-vt) seized on the SAG-AFTRA strike in an online conversation with President Fran Drescher on Tuesday evening, as they both bashed Bob Iger and other CEOs, and made the case for why the actors’ walkout should be of concern of all workers.
Appearing on a screen with the message “end corporate greed,” Sanders and Drescher characterized the entertainment industry as part of an all trend in the economy to marginalize workers amid technological change, while top corporate executives become wealthier.
Sanders’ event opened with a clip from Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger’s interview with CNBC last week from Sun Valley, where he told the network’s David Faber that the contract demands of actors and writers were not realistic.
Asked by Sanders about Iger’s comments, Drescher said, “You know, I don’t even want to make it about him. He stuck his foot...
Appearing on a screen with the message “end corporate greed,” Sanders and Drescher characterized the entertainment industry as part of an all trend in the economy to marginalize workers amid technological change, while top corporate executives become wealthier.
Sanders’ event opened with a clip from Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger’s interview with CNBC last week from Sun Valley, where he told the network’s David Faber that the contract demands of actors and writers were not realistic.
Asked by Sanders about Iger’s comments, Drescher said, “You know, I don’t even want to make it about him. He stuck his foot...
- 7/19/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Even the staunchest fans of the Marvel and “Star Wars” franchises must admit keeping track of all the respective movies and TV series can be a slog.
In agreement with that opinion is Disney CEO Bob Iger, who revealed on Thursday that the company will be producing fewer.
During an interview with CNBC’s David Faber, Iger said that all those various projects wound up diluting the popularity of both franchises.
Read More: Bob Iger To Return As Disney CEO Following Bob Chapek’s Exit
“You pull back not just to focus, but also as part of our cost containment initiative. Spending less on what we make, and making less,” Iger said.
Iger’s revelation comes amid diminishing returns at the box office for both franchises in recent years, during a period when Disney+ debuted an array of “Star Wars” and Marvel series.
“In our zeal to basically grow our...
In agreement with that opinion is Disney CEO Bob Iger, who revealed on Thursday that the company will be producing fewer.
During an interview with CNBC’s David Faber, Iger said that all those various projects wound up diluting the popularity of both franchises.
Read More: Bob Iger To Return As Disney CEO Following Bob Chapek’s Exit
“You pull back not just to focus, but also as part of our cost containment initiative. Spending less on what we make, and making less,” Iger said.
Iger’s revelation comes amid diminishing returns at the box office for both franchises in recent years, during a period when Disney+ debuted an array of “Star Wars” and Marvel series.
“In our zeal to basically grow our...
- 7/14/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher railed against Disney CEO Bob Iger during an interview with Variety on the strike picket lines outside of the Paramount Pictures studio lot.
In a July 13 interview with CNBC’s David Faber from the Sun Valley Conference, Iger said WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikers were not being “realistic” with their demands.
“I found them terribly repugnant and out of touch. Positively tone deaf. I don’t think it served him well,” Drescher said on Friday when asked about Iger’s comments. Speaking to Variety chief correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister, Drescher continued, “If I were that company, I would lock him behind doors and never let him talk to anybody about this, because it’s so obvious that he has no clue as to what is really happening on the ground with hard working people that don’t make anywhere near the salary he is making. High seven figures,...
In a July 13 interview with CNBC’s David Faber from the Sun Valley Conference, Iger said WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikers were not being “realistic” with their demands.
“I found them terribly repugnant and out of touch. Positively tone deaf. I don’t think it served him well,” Drescher said on Friday when asked about Iger’s comments. Speaking to Variety chief correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister, Drescher continued, “If I were that company, I would lock him behind doors and never let him talk to anybody about this, because it’s so obvious that he has no clue as to what is really happening on the ground with hard working people that don’t make anywhere near the salary he is making. High seven figures,...
- 7/14/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
If Bob Iger’s tenure as the CEO of Disney between 2005-2020 was defined by one thing, it would be the deals.
In 2006, he acquired a computer animation company founded by Steve Jobs called Pixar for $7.4 billion; in 2009 he acquired the down-on-its-luck comic book publisher Marvel for $4 billion; in 2012 he spearheaded the acquisition of George Lucas’ Lucasfilm for $4 billion; in 2017 he acquired a majority stake in BamTech for $1.6 billion, a streaming video provider that built the backbone of what became Disney+ and Hulu; and in 2019 he acquired the entertainment assets of Fox in a staggering $71 billion deal.
Thanks to a blockbuster interview on Thursday, it seems clear that Iger’s second run as CEO will be defined by his dealmaking as well. This time, however, he’s mostly a seller, not a buyer.
Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber on a makeshift TV set on the side of the road in Sun Valley,...
In 2006, he acquired a computer animation company founded by Steve Jobs called Pixar for $7.4 billion; in 2009 he acquired the down-on-its-luck comic book publisher Marvel for $4 billion; in 2012 he spearheaded the acquisition of George Lucas’ Lucasfilm for $4 billion; in 2017 he acquired a majority stake in BamTech for $1.6 billion, a streaming video provider that built the backbone of what became Disney+ and Hulu; and in 2019 he acquired the entertainment assets of Fox in a staggering $71 billion deal.
Thanks to a blockbuster interview on Thursday, it seems clear that Iger’s second run as CEO will be defined by his dealmaking as well. This time, however, he’s mostly a seller, not a buyer.
Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber on a makeshift TV set on the side of the road in Sun Valley,...
- 7/13/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Striking writers now have a new punching bag: Bob Iger.
After telling CNBC’s David Faber Thursday that the labor situation is “very disturbing” and how the Hollywood unions aren’t being realistic about the current financial climate, WGA picketers went postal on social media by pointing out the massive pay disparity between the Disney CEO and most working writers today.
In a lengthy sit-down with CNBC from Sun Valley, Idaho, Iger addressed the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and his ongoing feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Though his digs at DeSantis were lauded — he called the governor’s claims that Disney is sexualizing children “preposterous and inaccurate”— he lost the Tinseltown rank and file when he said “this is the worst time in the world” to walk off the job.
“I understand any labor organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation...
After telling CNBC’s David Faber Thursday that the labor situation is “very disturbing” and how the Hollywood unions aren’t being realistic about the current financial climate, WGA picketers went postal on social media by pointing out the massive pay disparity between the Disney CEO and most working writers today.
In a lengthy sit-down with CNBC from Sun Valley, Idaho, Iger addressed the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and his ongoing feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Though his digs at DeSantis were lauded — he called the governor’s claims that Disney is sexualizing children “preposterous and inaccurate”— he lost the Tinseltown rank and file when he said “this is the worst time in the world” to walk off the job.
“I understand any labor organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation...
- 7/13/2023
- by Lynette Rice and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Boy, Bob Iger had a lot to talk about Thursday morning from the Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference — and it wasn’t all about the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
The former, present, and future Disney CEO (emphasis on “future” considering Wednesday’s contract extension) sat down with CNBC’s David Faber in front of some majestic Idaho scenery to discuss all things right and wrong with the company in the current media landscape.
Iger, who replaced his hand-picked successor Bob Chapek back in November, said he’s sticking around through 2026 now due to “greater” challenges than his two-year deal to return initially anticipated. Chief among the troubles Iger identifies are what he calls his company’s “no-growth businesses.”
He’s basically talking about linear television there; Iger is considering selling off broadcast network ABC, Disney’s non-ESPN cable networks, and its stations. Or maybe he’ll just have to scrap them.
The former, present, and future Disney CEO (emphasis on “future” considering Wednesday’s contract extension) sat down with CNBC’s David Faber in front of some majestic Idaho scenery to discuss all things right and wrong with the company in the current media landscape.
Iger, who replaced his hand-picked successor Bob Chapek back in November, said he’s sticking around through 2026 now due to “greater” challenges than his two-year deal to return initially anticipated. Chief among the troubles Iger identifies are what he calls his company’s “no-growth businesses.”
He’s basically talking about linear television there; Iger is considering selling off broadcast network ABC, Disney’s non-ESPN cable networks, and its stations. Or maybe he’ll just have to scrap them.
- 7/13/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Disney CEO Bob Iger said Marvel Entertainment, whose acquisition in 2009 was a signature deal of Iger’s first stint atop the company, was unfairly “taxed” during the company’s frenzy to supply Disney+ with fresh content.
In a lengthy sit-down with CNBC’s David Faber (watch a clip above), Iger addressed Marvel as well as topics like the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes; a looming revamp of the company’s linear TV assets; and the ongoing feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Along with Pixar and Lucasfilm, the CEO said, Marvel had been asked to do too much by former CEO Bob Chapek, Iger’s hand-picked successor who was ousted last fall.
“In our zeal to basically grow our content significantly and serve our streaming offerings, we ended up taxing our people, in terms of their time and their focus, way beyond where they had been,” he said. “Marvel is a great example of that.
In a lengthy sit-down with CNBC’s David Faber (watch a clip above), Iger addressed Marvel as well as topics like the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes; a looming revamp of the company’s linear TV assets; and the ongoing feud with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Along with Pixar and Lucasfilm, the CEO said, Marvel had been asked to do too much by former CEO Bob Chapek, Iger’s hand-picked successor who was ousted last fall.
“In our zeal to basically grow our content significantly and serve our streaming offerings, we ended up taxing our people, in terms of their time and their focus, way beyond where they had been,” he said. “Marvel is a great example of that.
- 7/13/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Iger is citing the studio’s output increase for Disney+ as one reason for “some disappointments” as of late. Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber at the Sun Valley Conference, Iger admitted the studio screwed with audience expectations by offering up so much streaming content. The negative impact of that has been commercial disappointments in theaters, be it “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” not even reaching $500 million worldwide or disappointing openings for summer tentpoles “Elemental” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
“There have been some disappointments. We would have liked some of our more recent releases to perform better,” Iger said. “It’s reflective not as a problem from a personnel perspective, but I think in our zeal to basically grow our content significantly to serve mostly our streaming offerings, we ended up taxing our people way beyond — in terms of their time and their...
“There have been some disappointments. We would have liked some of our more recent releases to perform better,” Iger said. “It’s reflective not as a problem from a personnel perspective, but I think in our zeal to basically grow our content significantly to serve mostly our streaming offerings, we ended up taxing our people way beyond — in terms of their time and their...
- 7/13/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box” July 13, a day after he signed an extension through 2026 to his contract as Disney CEO, Bob Iger sounded off on a number of issues while attending the Allen & Co. Sun Valley Conference: the continued lack of profitability of the streaming market, ESPN’s future, his company’s lawsuit against Ron DeSantis, and whether departures from Pixar, such as John Lasseter, may have affected the quality and box office appeal of their films.
But the soundbite that may get the most attention is his comments about the writers and actors strikes, comments that stand in stark opposition to the demands of the respective guilds. The CEO even suggested that the unions are threatening the film and TV industry’s long-term post-covid recovery.
“It’s very disturbing to me,” Iger said of the WGA having been on strike for over two months and SAG-AFTRA about to strike.
But the soundbite that may get the most attention is his comments about the writers and actors strikes, comments that stand in stark opposition to the demands of the respective guilds. The CEO even suggested that the unions are threatening the film and TV industry’s long-term post-covid recovery.
“It’s very disturbing to me,” Iger said of the WGA having been on strike for over two months and SAG-AFTRA about to strike.
- 7/13/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Updated with video: As Ron DeSantis has made attacks on The Walt Disney Co. a feature of his presidential campaign, CEO Bob Iger responded to one of the Florida governor’s accusations made on the campaign trail: That the company was in favor of the “sexualization of our children.”
“We are a pre-eminent entertainer in the world, and we are proud of our track record there. The notion that Disney is in any way sexualizing our children quite frankly is preposterous and inaccurate,” Iger told CNBC’s David Faber in an interview from Sun Valley, ID.
DeSantis has focused his attacks on Disney’s opposition to a parental rights bill — dubbed “don’t say gay” by detractors — that has led to a stand off and a federal court lawsuit. He’s also accused Disney of being a “woke corporation” and, per The New York Times, said that the company has...
“We are a pre-eminent entertainer in the world, and we are proud of our track record there. The notion that Disney is in any way sexualizing our children quite frankly is preposterous and inaccurate,” Iger told CNBC’s David Faber in an interview from Sun Valley, ID.
DeSantis has focused his attacks on Disney’s opposition to a parental rights bill — dubbed “don’t say gay” by detractors — that has led to a stand off and a federal court lawsuit. He’s also accused Disney of being a “woke corporation” and, per The New York Times, said that the company has...
- 7/13/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
In a newsmaking interview with CNBC on Thursday morning, Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger said the WGA strike and the imminent SAG-AFTRA strike are “very disturbing” and will have a “very, very damaging effect on the whole business.
“This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption,” Iger said, adding that he respects “their right and their desire” to be compensated fairly, but also that the unions “have to be realistic about the business environment and what this business can deliver” and that the strikes will cause “huge collateral damage.”
“We managed as an industry to negotiate a very good deal with the Directors Guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business,” Iger said. “We wanted to do the same thing with the writers, and we’d like to do the same thing with the actors. There’s a level...
“This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption,” Iger said, adding that he respects “their right and their desire” to be compensated fairly, but also that the unions “have to be realistic about the business environment and what this business can deliver” and that the strikes will cause “huge collateral damage.”
“We managed as an industry to negotiate a very good deal with the Directors Guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business,” Iger said. “We wanted to do the same thing with the writers, and we’d like to do the same thing with the actors. There’s a level...
- 7/13/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney CEO Bob Iger said the linear TV business “may not be core” to the company, and efforts are under way to explore a number of strategic options for them.
He also criticized SAG-AFTRA and the WGA for demands that are not “realistic” in their respective labor fights with the AMPTP, adding that the resulting strikes could do serious damage across the economy.
Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber in a wide-ranging conversation in Sun Valley, ID, where Iger is attending Allen & Co.’s annual conference, Iger conceded his second stint as CEO has been more challenging than he expected. The 35-minute interview (watch a portion of it above) came a day after the news that Disney’s board unanimously voted to extend Iger’s contract to serve as CEO for another two years, through the end of 2026.
Iger said the labor situation is “very disturbing to me.” Coming after the ravages of Covid,...
He also criticized SAG-AFTRA and the WGA for demands that are not “realistic” in their respective labor fights with the AMPTP, adding that the resulting strikes could do serious damage across the economy.
Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber in a wide-ranging conversation in Sun Valley, ID, where Iger is attending Allen & Co.’s annual conference, Iger conceded his second stint as CEO has been more challenging than he expected. The 35-minute interview (watch a portion of it above) came a day after the news that Disney’s board unanimously voted to extend Iger’s contract to serve as CEO for another two years, through the end of 2026.
Iger said the labor situation is “very disturbing to me.” Coming after the ravages of Covid,...
- 7/13/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Thursday morning, Disney CEO Bob Iger said that the writers and actors unions going on strike in Hollywood are not being “realistic” with their expectations.
Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber from the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho, Iger commented on the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike and imminent decision for SAG-AFTRA to join them.
“It’s very disturbing to me. We’ve talked about disruptive forces on this business and all the challenges we’re facing, the recovery from Covid which is ongoing, it’s not completely back. This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption,” Iger said. “I understand any labor organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation and be compensated fairly based on the value that they deliver. We managed, as an industry, to...
Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber from the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho, Iger commented on the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike and imminent decision for SAG-AFTRA to join them.
“It’s very disturbing to me. We’ve talked about disruptive forces on this business and all the challenges we’re facing, the recovery from Covid which is ongoing, it’s not completely back. This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption,” Iger said. “I understand any labor organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation and be compensated fairly based on the value that they deliver. We managed, as an industry, to...
- 7/13/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Fresh on the heels of having his contract as Disney’s CEO extended, Bob Iger spoke with CNBC on Thursday from the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. Now the company’s chief executive through 2026, Iger told David Faber that Disney has had conversations with potential “strategic partners” about working together to launch a standalone direct-to-consumer (Dtc) streaming service for all of the live sporting events and content broadcast on the ESPN family of networks.
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In addition, Iger revealed that Disney’s linear channels, including ABC, Disney Channel, and Freeform, might not be core to the company’s business moving forward. That would seem to indicate that Disney is willing to sell those networks in order to reorganize its operations amidst an increasingly chaotic television environment. Acknowledging the rise in cord-cutting, the CEO said that linear television is a “no-growth business.
Sign Up Now $9.99 / month espnplus.com
In addition, Iger revealed that Disney’s linear channels, including ABC, Disney Channel, and Freeform, might not be core to the company’s business moving forward. That would seem to indicate that Disney is willing to sell those networks in order to reorganize its operations amidst an increasingly chaotic television environment. Acknowledging the rise in cord-cutting, the CEO said that linear television is a “no-growth business.
- 7/13/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Fox News “The Five” co-host Dana Perino says her 2012 appearance on a charity episode of “Jeopardy!” was nerve-wracking and humiliating — despite that her fellow contestant Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had the biggest unintentionally funny moments.
Cohost Jeanine Pirro relayed a viewer question from Facebook on Monday’s show, asking the panelists what game show they would like to appear on. Turns out, some of them had some experience at this — and not all of it good:
“I did ‘Jeopardy!’ for charity, and it was one of the most humiliating, most nerve-wracking things of my life,” Perino said. Asked if she blamed the game’s plunger like everyone else, she shook it off: “Also my mind.”
Perino appeared on a charity version of the show alongside Lakers great Abdul-Jabbar and Cnbs journalist David Faber in May of 2012. There were in fact a couple of embarrassing moments, but they came from the mouth of Abdul-Jabbar.
Cohost Jeanine Pirro relayed a viewer question from Facebook on Monday’s show, asking the panelists what game show they would like to appear on. Turns out, some of them had some experience at this — and not all of it good:
“I did ‘Jeopardy!’ for charity, and it was one of the most humiliating, most nerve-wracking things of my life,” Perino said. Asked if she blamed the game’s plunger like everyone else, she shook it off: “Also my mind.”
Perino appeared on a charity version of the show alongside Lakers great Abdul-Jabbar and Cnbs journalist David Faber in May of 2012. There were in fact a couple of embarrassing moments, but they came from the mouth of Abdul-Jabbar.
- 5/30/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Speaking to CNBC’s David Faber on Tuesday, Elon Musk refused to walk back comments he made recently about billionaire investor George Soros that critics, including the Anti-Defamation League, have noted are full of antisemitic tropes.
Musk, as usual, relied on his familiar claim that he is a defender of “free speech,” and stood by the remarks. He also denied any antisemitic intent, describing himself as “like a pro-semite.” Ironically, earlier in the conversation Musk repeatedly denied that the neo-Nazi who committed the mass shooting in Allen, Tx on May 6 was a white supremacist.
But first, Soros. On Monday Musk, apparently angry that Soros’ investment firm recently dumped every share of Tesla it owned, compared Soros to the Marvel Comics character Magneto. Journalist Brian Krassenstein replied to Musk, pointing out that like Magneto, Soros is a holocaust survivor who is “attacked nonstop for his good intentions which some Americans think...
Musk, as usual, relied on his familiar claim that he is a defender of “free speech,” and stood by the remarks. He also denied any antisemitic intent, describing himself as “like a pro-semite.” Ironically, earlier in the conversation Musk repeatedly denied that the neo-Nazi who committed the mass shooting in Allen, Tx on May 6 was a white supremacist.
But first, Soros. On Monday Musk, apparently angry that Soros’ investment firm recently dumped every share of Tesla it owned, compared Soros to the Marvel Comics character Magneto. Journalist Brian Krassenstein replied to Musk, pointing out that like Magneto, Soros is a holocaust survivor who is “attacked nonstop for his good intentions which some Americans think...
- 5/17/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Elon Musk sat down with CNBC’s David Faber for an interview where he declared he doesn’t give a shit if his tweets damage his companies.
Musk has spent the last several weeks tweeting and boosting unfounded conspiracy theories about mass shootings, George Soros, and migrants. But in his mind, he is like Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride, telling his enemies that they can “offer me money, offer me power,” but I “don’t care.”
Faber confronted Musk about the kinds of tweets that are sending advertisers fleeing from his platform,...
Musk has spent the last several weeks tweeting and boosting unfounded conspiracy theories about mass shootings, George Soros, and migrants. But in his mind, he is like Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride, telling his enemies that they can “offer me money, offer me power,” but I “don’t care.”
Faber confronted Musk about the kinds of tweets that are sending advertisers fleeing from his platform,...
- 5/17/2023
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Elon Musk defended his propensity to step into divisive debate and even in advancing conspiracy theories, telling CNBC, “I’ll say what I want to say, and if the consequences of that is losing money, I’ll say it.”
The network’s David Faber sat down with Musk and asked the Twitter owner and Tesla CEO about a specific tweet about billionaire George Soros, in which he wrote, “Soros reminds me of Magneto.” He wrote that Soros “wants to erode the very fabric of civilization. Soros hates humanity.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, wrote that Musk was feeding into antisemitic tropes by comparing Soros to a Jewish supervillain. Soros is a frequent target on the right.
“That’s my opinion,” Musk told Faber.
The CNBC host then pressed him. “Why share it when people who buy Teslas may not agree with you? Advertisers on Twitter may not agree with you?...
The network’s David Faber sat down with Musk and asked the Twitter owner and Tesla CEO about a specific tweet about billionaire George Soros, in which he wrote, “Soros reminds me of Magneto.” He wrote that Soros “wants to erode the very fabric of civilization. Soros hates humanity.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, wrote that Musk was feeding into antisemitic tropes by comparing Soros to a Jewish supervillain. Soros is a frequent target on the right.
“That’s my opinion,” Musk told Faber.
The CNBC host then pressed him. “Why share it when people who buy Teslas may not agree with you? Advertisers on Twitter may not agree with you?...
- 5/16/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Iger says Marvel chairman Ike Perlmutter was “intent” on firing Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige in 2015 when the two were at odds.
In an interview with CNBC’s David Faber on “Squawk on the Street,” Iger said that Nelson Peltz, who was working with Perlmutter at the time, wasn’t too thrilled at the prospect of Perlmutter’s ceding control of Marvel Studios.
“Our filings indicate that both Ike and Nelson were working together to try to encourage the board or convince the board to put Nelson on the board,” Iger said. “They have a relationship that dates back quite some time. We bought Marvel in 2009. I promised Ike the job that he would continue to run Marvel after that. Not forever, necessarily. But after that. And in 2015 he was intent on firing Kevin Feige who was running Marvel’s studio, the movie making [operation] at the time,...
In an interview with CNBC’s David Faber on “Squawk on the Street,” Iger said that Nelson Peltz, who was working with Perlmutter at the time, wasn’t too thrilled at the prospect of Perlmutter’s ceding control of Marvel Studios.
“Our filings indicate that both Ike and Nelson were working together to try to encourage the board or convince the board to put Nelson on the board,” Iger said. “They have a relationship that dates back quite some time. We bought Marvel in 2009. I promised Ike the job that he would continue to run Marvel after that. Not forever, necessarily. But after that. And in 2015 he was intent on firing Kevin Feige who was running Marvel’s studio, the movie making [operation] at the time,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Disney CEO Bob Iger hasn’t ruled out that the company could sell its controlling stake in Hulu while focusing on streaming revenue rather than subscriber growth.
During its Q1 2023 call with investors on February 8th, Disney reported the first subscriber loss of its flagship streaming platform Disney+ of 2.4 million subscribers. The company revealed it was responding by cutting 3 billion in content costs, with Iger saying Disney “will take a very hard look at the cost of everything we make across television and film.”
While appearing on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street the following day, Iger told host David Faber that Disney’s strategy for making streaming “a growth business” by the end of 2024 will be focusing on revenue rather than subscriber numbers. Disney has the option to buy out Comcast’s 33 stake in Hulu as early as January 2024.
Suggesting Hulu’s future is still yet to be decided,...
During its Q1 2023 call with investors on February 8th, Disney reported the first subscriber loss of its flagship streaming platform Disney+ of 2.4 million subscribers. The company revealed it was responding by cutting 3 billion in content costs, with Iger saying Disney “will take a very hard look at the cost of everything we make across television and film.”
While appearing on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street the following day, Iger told host David Faber that Disney’s strategy for making streaming “a growth business” by the end of 2024 will be focusing on revenue rather than subscriber numbers. Disney has the option to buy out Comcast’s 33 stake in Hulu as early as January 2024.
Suggesting Hulu’s future is still yet to be decided,...
- 2/9/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
Disney’s Q1 2023 earnings call on February 8 broke a lot of news, but also left a lot of items on Disney’s docket unaccounted for. Among the open questions unaddressed during the call include Disney’s plans for Hulu, which it may buy out from Comcast or sell, and the drama surrounding Trian Management CEO Nelson Peltz’s proxy fight with the company’s board of investors.
While these subjects weren’t covered during the call itself, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Peltz made appearances on CNBC February 9, giving a little more clarity to both subjects. While Iger’s statements made it clear that Hulu’s future is still an open question, Peltz’s appearance seemed to definitively close the door on the proxy fight saga.
Appearing on the channel’s “Squawk on the Street” program, Iger spoke to host David Faber about the company’s plans for streaming, including...
While these subjects weren’t covered during the call itself, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Peltz made appearances on CNBC February 9, giving a little more clarity to both subjects. While Iger’s statements made it clear that Hulu’s future is still an open question, Peltz’s appearance seemed to definitively close the door on the proxy fight saga.
Appearing on the channel’s “Squawk on the Street” program, Iger spoke to host David Faber about the company’s plans for streaming, including...
- 2/9/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Disney CEO Bob Iger on Thursday called Marvel chairman Isaac Perlmutter’s backing of activist investor Nelson Peltz “a curious dynamic.”
Peltz, of Trian Group, this morning abandoned his battle with Disney that featured a push for a seat on the board. He said a wide-ranging corporate restructuring announced Wednesday spoke to many of his concerns about the company’s management and strategy. Peltz’s campaign didn’t go public until mid-last year, but it started back in 2022 under former CEO Bob Chapek and with Perlmutter’s support, Disney has said.
In an SEC filing in January as part of its proxy fight with Peltz, Disney lists meetings and calls starting in the summer of 2022 involving Peltz and Chapek, CFO Christine McCarthy, directors Amy Chang and Safra Catz, General Counsel Horatio Gutierrez, as well as Iger. A number of them were initiated by Perlmutter, who supported Peltz and lobbied Disney...
Peltz, of Trian Group, this morning abandoned his battle with Disney that featured a push for a seat on the board. He said a wide-ranging corporate restructuring announced Wednesday spoke to many of his concerns about the company’s management and strategy. Peltz’s campaign didn’t go public until mid-last year, but it started back in 2022 under former CEO Bob Chapek and with Perlmutter’s support, Disney has said.
In an SEC filing in January as part of its proxy fight with Peltz, Disney lists meetings and calls starting in the summer of 2022 involving Peltz and Chapek, CFO Christine McCarthy, directors Amy Chang and Safra Catz, General Counsel Horatio Gutierrez, as well as Iger. A number of them were initiated by Perlmutter, who supported Peltz and lobbied Disney...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Iger on Thursday suggested the entertainment giant might sell off its stake in Hulu despite the streaming service’s overall success.
“Everything’s on the table right now,” Iger told CNBC’s David Faber the morning after the recently returned CEO announced 5.5 billion in cost cutting at the company, which includes slashing 7,000 jobs.
Iger called Hulu, whose hits like “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” are largely adult-oriented, a “very successful platform” but demurred when he was asked about the potential 9 billion bill coming next year, should Comcast’s NBCUniversal try to sell its 33 stake in the hybrid subscription/ad supported streamer.
Also Read:
Nelson Peltz Abandons Disney Proxy Battle After Bob Iger Reveals Restructuring Plans
Under a 2019 agreement, Disney can buy out rival Comcast’s remaining 33 stake in Hulu as early as January 2024, and Comcast can require that Disney do so.
NBCUniversal CEO...
“Everything’s on the table right now,” Iger told CNBC’s David Faber the morning after the recently returned CEO announced 5.5 billion in cost cutting at the company, which includes slashing 7,000 jobs.
Iger called Hulu, whose hits like “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” are largely adult-oriented, a “very successful platform” but demurred when he was asked about the potential 9 billion bill coming next year, should Comcast’s NBCUniversal try to sell its 33 stake in the hybrid subscription/ad supported streamer.
Also Read:
Nelson Peltz Abandons Disney Proxy Battle After Bob Iger Reveals Restructuring Plans
Under a 2019 agreement, Disney can buy out rival Comcast’s remaining 33 stake in Hulu as early as January 2024, and Comcast can require that Disney do so.
NBCUniversal CEO...
- 2/9/2023
- by Eileen AJ Connelly
- The Wrap
Disney CEO Bob Iger said today that he’s open to selling Hulu — instead of forking over billions of dollars to buy out Comcast’s stake in the streaming platform.
Asked on CNBC about his plans for Hulu as a 2024 deadline to buy it in, or sell it off, approaches, he said: “Everything is on the table right now, so I am not going to speculate whether we are a buyer or a seller of it. But I obviously have suggested that I’m concerned about undifferentiated general entertainment, particularly in the competitive landscape that we are operating in, and we are going to look at it very objectively and expansively.”
Pressed by host David Faber on whether he’d be interested if Comcast CEO Brian Roberts inquired about buying the Disney stake, Iger said, “We will be open minded.”
Faber noted that the going assumption has been that Disney...
Asked on CNBC about his plans for Hulu as a 2024 deadline to buy it in, or sell it off, approaches, he said: “Everything is on the table right now, so I am not going to speculate whether we are a buyer or a seller of it. But I obviously have suggested that I’m concerned about undifferentiated general entertainment, particularly in the competitive landscape that we are operating in, and we are going to look at it very objectively and expansively.”
Pressed by host David Faber on whether he’d be interested if Comcast CEO Brian Roberts inquired about buying the Disney stake, Iger said, “We will be open minded.”
Faber noted that the going assumption has been that Disney...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Activist investor Nelson Peltz has bowed out of his ongoing proxy fight with Disney, following returned CEO Bob Iger’s announcement of a sweeping restructuring plan Wednesday.
“Now Disney plans to do everything we wanted them to do,” said Peltz, the billionaire Trian Fund Management CEO and founder, while appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” on Thursday morning. “We wish the very best to Bob, this management team and the board. We will be watching. We will be rooting. The proxy fight is over.”
In a followup statement to Variety, a Trian spokesperson confirmed: “The proxy fight is over. This is a win for all shareholders.”
Following Peltz’s public remarks, Disney issued its own statement regarding Trian’s decision to end the proxy fight ahead of the April 3 shareholders meeting.
“We respect and value the input of all our shareholders and we appreciate the decision by Trian...
“Now Disney plans to do everything we wanted them to do,” said Peltz, the billionaire Trian Fund Management CEO and founder, while appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” on Thursday morning. “We wish the very best to Bob, this management team and the board. We will be watching. We will be rooting. The proxy fight is over.”
In a followup statement to Variety, a Trian spokesperson confirmed: “The proxy fight is over. This is a win for all shareholders.”
Following Peltz’s public remarks, Disney issued its own statement regarding Trian’s decision to end the proxy fight ahead of the April 3 shareholders meeting.
“We respect and value the input of all our shareholders and we appreciate the decision by Trian...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Disney’s proxy battle with activist investor Nelson Peltz is over, with the investor saying Thursday morning that he is abandoning his plans to join the company’s board of directors.
“This was a great win for all the shareholders. Management at Disney now plans to do everything that we wanted them to do,” Peltz said on CNBC Thursday morning, adding that the fight was over, and he wished Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger the best.
“We respect and value the input of all our shareholders and we appreciate the decision by Trian Fund announced by Nelson Peltz this morning,” Disney responded in a statement. “We are pleased that our Board and management can remain focused without the distraction of a proxy contest, and we have tremendous faith in Bob Iger’s leadership and the transformative vision for Disney’s future he set forth yesterday.”
Peltz made the comments...
“This was a great win for all the shareholders. Management at Disney now plans to do everything that we wanted them to do,” Peltz said on CNBC Thursday morning, adding that the fight was over, and he wished Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger the best.
“We respect and value the input of all our shareholders and we appreciate the decision by Trian Fund announced by Nelson Peltz this morning,” Disney responded in a statement. “We are pleased that our Board and management can remain focused without the distraction of a proxy contest, and we have tremendous faith in Bob Iger’s leadership and the transformative vision for Disney’s future he set forth yesterday.”
Peltz made the comments...
- 2/9/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been two months since Shepard Smith’s “The News With Shepard Smith” was canceled at CNBC, and now Brian Sullivan is set to fulfill the one-hour time slot with a new show called “The Last Call,” TheWrap has confirmed.
Sullivan, who is currently the anchor of “Worldwide Exchange,” will step into the role of anchor for CNBC’s new 7 p.m. business journalism show, “The Last Call.” The show comes as part of CNBC’s goal to invest more into its core content of business news and personal finance.
Also Read:
Pedro Pascal to Make ‘Saturday Night Live’ Hosting Debut in February
“‘Last Call’ is a fast-paced, entertaining business show that explores the intersection of money, culture and policy. Through panels, debates and newsmakers,” said CNBC President Kc Sullivan in a memo to employees about the changes to the weekday lineup. “‘Last Call’ will not only deliver fresh...
Sullivan, who is currently the anchor of “Worldwide Exchange,” will step into the role of anchor for CNBC’s new 7 p.m. business journalism show, “The Last Call.” The show comes as part of CNBC’s goal to invest more into its core content of business news and personal finance.
Also Read:
Pedro Pascal to Make ‘Saturday Night Live’ Hosting Debut in February
“‘Last Call’ is a fast-paced, entertaining business show that explores the intersection of money, culture and policy. Through panels, debates and newsmakers,” said CNBC President Kc Sullivan in a memo to employees about the changes to the weekday lineup. “‘Last Call’ will not only deliver fresh...
- 1/26/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
CNBC is filling the 7 Pm Et hour with Last Call, a business show that will be anchored by Brian Sullivan and explore money, culture and policy.
The new show occupies the old time slot of The News with Shepard Smith, the newscast that was canceled in November.
CNBC President Kc Sullivan, who wants the network to focus on its core area of business and financial news, announced the new show in a memo to staff, along with a series of other changes to the CNBC lineup.
“Through panels, debates and newsmakers, Last Call will not only deliver fresh takes on the biggest business topics of the day, but also shine a light on the other important stories that our viewers may have missed, all with an eye on what’s going to matter to the markets the next day,” he wrote.
He also said that the network would produce more documentaries and specials in primetime,...
The new show occupies the old time slot of The News with Shepard Smith, the newscast that was canceled in November.
CNBC President Kc Sullivan, who wants the network to focus on its core area of business and financial news, announced the new show in a memo to staff, along with a series of other changes to the CNBC lineup.
“Through panels, debates and newsmakers, Last Call will not only deliver fresh takes on the biggest business topics of the day, but also shine a light on the other important stories that our viewers may have missed, all with an eye on what’s going to matter to the markets the next day,” he wrote.
He also said that the network would produce more documentaries and specials in primetime,...
- 1/26/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
CNBC is making a new bid to stay open after the stock market is closed.
Brian Sullivan. anchor of the early-morning “Worldwide Exchange,” gets to trade in an early wake-up for a late-evening perch at “Last Call,” CNBC’s newest attempt to extend its business journalism into the early evening. Sullivan’s show will replace “The News,” a vehicle for former Fox News anchor Shepard Smith that was cancelled last year.
“‘Last Call’ is a fast-paced, entertaining business show that explores the intersection of money, culture and policy. Through panels, debates and newsmakers,” said CNBC President Kc Sullivan in a memo to staff. “‘Last Call’ will not only deliver fresh takes on the biggest business topics of the day, but also shine a light on the other important stories that our viewers may have missed, all with an eye on what’s going to matter to the markets the next day.
Brian Sullivan. anchor of the early-morning “Worldwide Exchange,” gets to trade in an early wake-up for a late-evening perch at “Last Call,” CNBC’s newest attempt to extend its business journalism into the early evening. Sullivan’s show will replace “The News,” a vehicle for former Fox News anchor Shepard Smith that was cancelled last year.
“‘Last Call’ is a fast-paced, entertaining business show that explores the intersection of money, culture and policy. Through panels, debates and newsmakers,” said CNBC President Kc Sullivan in a memo to staff. “‘Last Call’ will not only deliver fresh takes on the biggest business topics of the day, but also shine a light on the other important stories that our viewers may have missed, all with an eye on what’s going to matter to the markets the next day.
- 1/26/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
In an interview with CNBC, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell said Peacock has now reached 15 million paying subscribers and he also confirmed reports that the company is considering a possible give-back of the 10 p.m. hour of programming to affiliates.
The 14-minute sit-down with David Faber (watch it above) covered a number of other hot topics, including the movie business.
As far as the 10 p.m. move, a scenario which rattled a number of stakeholders when it surfaced a few weeks ago, Shell said no final decisions have been made. But the company intends to “reallocate resources” toward areas of the company that are growing, he said.
Peacock had stalled out at 13 million subscribers in the quarter ending June 30. NBCU parent Comcast will report official third-quarter numbers in the coming weeks. The company has implemented a range of efforts to stimulate growth, including a significant price discount, reclaiming rights to shows...
The 14-minute sit-down with David Faber (watch it above) covered a number of other hot topics, including the movie business.
As far as the 10 p.m. move, a scenario which rattled a number of stakeholders when it surfaced a few weeks ago, Shell said no final decisions have been made. But the company intends to “reallocate resources” toward areas of the company that are growing, he said.
Peacock had stalled out at 13 million subscribers in the quarter ending June 30. NBCU parent Comcast will report official third-quarter numbers in the coming weeks. The company has implemented a range of efforts to stimulate growth, including a significant price discount, reclaiming rights to shows...
- 10/4/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Has Peacock regained its forward momentum?
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell claimed the media company’s flagship streamer notched healthy growth in the third quarter — thanks to a strong content lineup, including Peacock’s reclaiming day-after-air rights to episodes of NBCU shows from Hulu.
Shell, in an appearance Tuesday on CNBC, said Peacock added more than 2 million paid subscribers in Q3, to top 15 million. Overall, Peacock’s active user accounts is now at 30 million, he said, up more than 3 million in the September quarter.
“If you have the right content, and you offer a broad distribution platform, your consumers are going to find you — and that’s what we’re doing with Peacock,” Shell said.
The Q3 growth is an improvement over the second quarter — when Peacock’s paid customer based was flat at 13 million and Peacock’s overall active accounts actually declined by about 1 million.
One of the drivers for Peacock’s turnaround,...
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell claimed the media company’s flagship streamer notched healthy growth in the third quarter — thanks to a strong content lineup, including Peacock’s reclaiming day-after-air rights to episodes of NBCU shows from Hulu.
Shell, in an appearance Tuesday on CNBC, said Peacock added more than 2 million paid subscribers in Q3, to top 15 million. Overall, Peacock’s active user accounts is now at 30 million, he said, up more than 3 million in the September quarter.
“If you have the right content, and you offer a broad distribution platform, your consumers are going to find you — and that’s what we’re doing with Peacock,” Shell said.
The Q3 growth is an improvement over the second quarter — when Peacock’s paid customer based was flat at 13 million and Peacock’s overall active accounts actually declined by about 1 million.
One of the drivers for Peacock’s turnaround,...
- 10/4/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell was interviewed on CNBC on Tuesday morning, where he addressed continued interest in the potential of industry consolidation, NBC weighing whether to cut the 10 p.m. hour and, yes, Peacock.
Last quarter, NBCUniversal reported that its paid subscribers to Peacock stalled at 13 million, essentially flat with Q1. On Tuesday, Shell told CNBC’s David Faber that paid Peacock subscribers have since risen to 15 million and that the company has an average revenue per user (Arpu) of 10 per subscriber.
Shell also addressed reports that NBC was considering whether to stop programming the 10 p.m. hour and instead hand it back to local affiliates. Shell said that the company was not ready to make any final decisions but that it did intend to “reallocate resources” to invest in growth businesses and manage declining ones.
And he also addressed the issue of consolidation,...
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell was interviewed on CNBC on Tuesday morning, where he addressed continued interest in the potential of industry consolidation, NBC weighing whether to cut the 10 p.m. hour and, yes, Peacock.
Last quarter, NBCUniversal reported that its paid subscribers to Peacock stalled at 13 million, essentially flat with Q1. On Tuesday, Shell told CNBC’s David Faber that paid Peacock subscribers have since risen to 15 million and that the company has an average revenue per user (Arpu) of 10 per subscriber.
Shell also addressed reports that NBC was considering whether to stop programming the 10 p.m. hour and instead hand it back to local affiliates. Shell said that the company was not ready to make any final decisions but that it did intend to “reallocate resources” to invest in growth businesses and manage declining ones.
And he also addressed the issue of consolidation,...
- 10/4/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jim Cramer has crowed Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk as the future King of California.
Cramer, speaking Thursday on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” made the proclamation in light of the Golden State’s pending ban in 2035 on gas-powered vehicles — and the electric car company’s streak of dominance.
“It’s going to be a state of Teslas unless Jim Farley can get that F-150 Lighting out,” Cramer said, referring to Ford’s CEO, in the segment you can watch at the top of this post. “He thinks he can do 600,000 run rate by the end of next year.”
But Cramer then reverted back to the main point, perhaps given the fact parking a large pick-up truck is no easy task in many parts of California.
Also Read:
Elon Musk Sells Nearly 7 Billion in Tesla Shares in Preparation for ‘Hopefully Unlikely’ Close of Twitter Deal
“This guy is...
Cramer, speaking Thursday on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” made the proclamation in light of the Golden State’s pending ban in 2035 on gas-powered vehicles — and the electric car company’s streak of dominance.
“It’s going to be a state of Teslas unless Jim Farley can get that F-150 Lighting out,” Cramer said, referring to Ford’s CEO, in the segment you can watch at the top of this post. “He thinks he can do 600,000 run rate by the end of next year.”
But Cramer then reverted back to the main point, perhaps given the fact parking a large pick-up truck is no easy task in many parts of California.
Also Read:
Elon Musk Sells Nearly 7 Billion in Tesla Shares in Preparation for ‘Hopefully Unlikely’ Close of Twitter Deal
“This guy is...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jeremy Bailey
- The Wrap
Hello, dear readers! We’re back today with the final installment of our Marketplace Monday series, where we celebrate some of the brilliant writers, artists, and creators out there who utilize their creativity to help make the horror world a better place for all of us fans. We’ve spent the last few weeks during Indie Horror Month 2022 putting the spotlight on a ton of great indie horror movies and filmmakers out there, but we also wanted to make sure that we were showcasing all different types of creators out there for Ihm 2022. And if you’ve missed our previous Marketplace Monday posts, you can check them out Here.
Check out this week’s Marketplace Monday selection of artists, writers, and creators below, and be sure to visit Daily Dead for the rest of this week as we continue to celebrate even more indie horror awesomeness!
Books
The Tricker-Treater...
Check out this week’s Marketplace Monday selection of artists, writers, and creators below, and be sure to visit Daily Dead for the rest of this week as we continue to celebrate even more indie horror awesomeness!
Books
The Tricker-Treater...
- 4/25/2022
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
AMC Entertainment CEO Adam Aron said there’s room for both cinemas and streamers in the current marketplace and the latter would benefit from wider theatrical release of films. He made the comments to CNBC after Apple made history last night with Coda’s Best Picture Oscar win.
“I’ve been saying for years that the market is big enough for theaters and streamers to coexist. We’ve been involved with the streamers, especially Apple, Amazon and Netflix, for years trying to convince them to show their movies in our theaters as well as stream them. If we can convince them accordingly, I think they will even be more successful than they are now, or were last night, and AMC as well,” he said this morning.
He indicated theatrical would be fine, noting the supersized success of Spider-Man: No Way Home and touted upcoming Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World Dominion and Avatar 2.
“I’ve been saying for years that the market is big enough for theaters and streamers to coexist. We’ve been involved with the streamers, especially Apple, Amazon and Netflix, for years trying to convince them to show their movies in our theaters as well as stream them. If we can convince them accordingly, I think they will even be more successful than they are now, or were last night, and AMC as well,” he said this morning.
He indicated theatrical would be fine, noting the supersized success of Spider-Man: No Way Home and touted upcoming Top Gun: Maverick, Jurassic World Dominion and Avatar 2.
- 3/28/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Discovery shares, which have been in a funk for months, roared back to life today, jumping 17% on heavy trading volume after a validation from a veteran Wall Street analyst.
Bank of America’s Jessica Reif Ehrlich upgraded Discovery shares to a “buy” from “neutral” and rhapsodized about its potential in a note to clients. She also raised her 12-month price target to $45 from $34. The stock responded by climbing to $30.06 by the closing bell, its highest level since last July. Trading volume was nearly seven times normal levels.
On a mixed day overall for stocks, the boost for Discovery appeared to help ViacomCBS. As another TV heavyweight seen as an M&a candidate, it saw its shares rise 8% to $35.39.
Discovery and WarnerMedia are poised to combine in a $43 billion merger, forming a new entity to be led by current Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Speaking at a Citibank conference earlier this week,...
Bank of America’s Jessica Reif Ehrlich upgraded Discovery shares to a “buy” from “neutral” and rhapsodized about its potential in a note to clients. She also raised her 12-month price target to $45 from $34. The stock responded by climbing to $30.06 by the closing bell, its highest level since last July. Trading volume was nearly seven times normal levels.
On a mixed day overall for stocks, the boost for Discovery appeared to help ViacomCBS. As another TV heavyweight seen as an M&a candidate, it saw its shares rise 8% to $35.39.
Discovery and WarnerMedia are poised to combine in a $43 billion merger, forming a new entity to be led by current Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Speaking at a Citibank conference earlier this week,...
- 1/7/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with closing price. AT&T’s beaten-down stock rose more than 2% today to reach a three-month high on strong subscriber numbers and auspicious signs for the pending WarnerMedia-Discovery deal.
The $43 billion combination of WarnerMedia and Discovery in a spinoff from AT&T less than three years after the $85.4 billion deal for Time Warner, is likely to close in April, CNBC reported. The network’s David Faber, citing sources close to the process, said the transaction “is only a couple, let’s call it three months away from completion.”
At one point in the trading session, AT&T shares were up more than 4%, a rare burst for the range-bound stock. After some downbeat news from the Federal Reserve Bank, overall stocks slid in the second half of the trading day and AT&T closed at $26.21. Along with Discovery shares, it has lost ground since the deal was first announced,...
The $43 billion combination of WarnerMedia and Discovery in a spinoff from AT&T less than three years after the $85.4 billion deal for Time Warner, is likely to close in April, CNBC reported. The network’s David Faber, citing sources close to the process, said the transaction “is only a couple, let’s call it three months away from completion.”
At one point in the trading session, AT&T shares were up more than 4%, a rare burst for the range-bound stock. After some downbeat news from the Federal Reserve Bank, overall stocks slid in the second half of the trading day and AT&T closed at $26.21. Along with Discovery shares, it has lost ground since the deal was first announced,...
- 1/5/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
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