The Circuit with Emily Chang Disney Entertainment’s Dana Walden on Media Mergers, Jimmy Kimmel and What Makes Good TV
Dec 12, 2025
Dana Walden, Co-chair of Disney Entertainment, delves into her vast responsibilities overseeing Hulu, Disney+, FX, and ABC. She shares insights into Disney's strategy to differentiate from Netflix, focusing on quality storytelling and emotional IP. Walden discusses the controversies surrounding Jimmy Kimmel and how they navigated public response. She emphasizes the importance of local originals, technology investments, and a unified streaming experience. With a nod to the future, she champions premium storytelling and engaging experiences in an evolving entertainment landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early TV Sparked A Career
- Dana Walden remembers convincing her mother to put an old TV in her room and then not leaving it for years.
- Early immersion in TV sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling and entertainment.
Jerry Maguire Moment Changed Her Path
- Dana Walden recounts a “Jerry Maguire” moment at Fox where Peter Chernin moved her into creative roles.
- That pivot led her to learn storytelling from creators and shaped her TV executive path.
Use Fast Nos To Help Partners
- Say no quickly when a project won't work; a fast no lets partners pivot to better opportunities.
- Be transparent and invest in relationships so partners accept candid decisions.