Plain English with Derek Thompson Disney’s Downfall: The Rise and Fall of an Entertainment Giant
32 snips
Oct 3, 2023 
Join Julia Alexander, a media strategist with Parrot Analytics, and Matthew Ball, author of 'The Metaverse,' as they dissect the unexpected decline of Disney. They explore the tumultuous shift from Disney's golden age of acquisitions and profitability to its current struggles in the streaming era. Key insights include the impact of the pandemic on viewer preferences, the challenges of adapting to digital competition, and Disney's evolving strategy towards the metaverse. Tune in for a riveting analysis of an entertainment giant's fall from grace.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Iger's Initial Success
- Bob Iger's first tenure as Disney CEO was marked by a strategic focus on franchises and IP.
- This strategy, combined with strong creative execution and the existing theme park division, led to immense success.
Disney's Reliance on TV
- In the early 2010s, Disney's revenue heavily relied on its TV business, particularly the cable bundle.
- Media networks, primarily ESPN, contributed significantly to both revenue and operating income.
Acquisitions and Streaming
- Disney's growth historically relied on acquisitions, like Capital Cities/ABC, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.
- However, the shift to streaming presents a challenge they can't acquire their way out of, given the competition from tech giants.
