Squawk on the Street SOTS 2nd Hour: A Media Deep-Dive w/Disney’s CEO & ESPN’s Chairman, Plus Walmart Talks Tariffs 8/21/25
6 snips
Aug 21, 2025 
Bob Iger, the visionary CEO of Disney, shares his insights on the entertainment giant's expansion and the challenges of rising sports rights costs. Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN, dives into the network's shift to a direct-to-consumer model and the launch of their innovative streaming app, which prioritizes personalized content for sports fans. The duo discusses the integration of AI in enhancing viewer experiences and the competitive landscape in sports media, all while touching on the broader economic implications affecting consumer behavior.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Housing Sales Rise With More Supply
- Existing-home sales rose in July and supply increased, while median prices hit a July high with only slight annual gains.
- Days on market and all-cash purchases rose, signaling a market influenced by timing of contract closings and cash buyers.
Walmart Sees Tariff Cost Pressure
- Walmart reported stronger sales and raised guidance while citing tariff-driven cost pressures that vary by income segment.
- CFO John David Rainey said Walmart can mitigate some tariff impacts, sees 1% inflation year-over-year, and is gaining share with upper-income shoppers.
ESPN’s Big Digital Pivot
- ESPN is launching a direct-to-consumer product plus a significantly enhanced app to deliver personalization and interactivity.
- Bob Iger and Jimmy Pitaro view this as a major, ongoing digital pivot rather than a one-time product launch.