Economist Podcasts Ploy story: a defenestration at Disney
Nov 22, 2022
Tom Wainwright, Technology and Media Editor for The Economist, shares insights on Disney's leadership shakeup, with Bob Iger returning amid rising challenges in the streaming landscape. He discusses the decline of consumer loyalty and competition from giants like Apple and Amazon. The conversation also highlights the struggles of teen mothers in Zimbabwe, focusing on societal stigma and the impact of COVID-19 on education. Lastly, Wainwright touches on animal intelligence, exploring empathy in pigs and other species.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Chapek vs. Johansson
- Bob Chapek upset Scarlett Johansson by releasing her film "Black Widow" directly to streaming.
- He didn't compensate her adequately, leading to a lawsuit and highlighting his strained relationships with talent.
Political Misstep
- Chapek mishandled Disney's response to Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, upsetting both sides of the political spectrum.
- This further damaged his reputation and fueled criticism of his leadership.
Shifting Hollywood Economics
- Disney's problems are not solely due to leadership but reflect a larger shift in Hollywood economics.
- The streaming model disrupts traditional revenue streams, making it harder for studios to profit.