Disney Prepares Massive Layoffs in TV Business Units
The Walt Disney Company is undergoing a significant restructuring of its television operations to centralize its business and move away from individual linear television brands. The reorganization, led by Disney Entertainment Television Chairman Debra OConnell, aims to align with how viewers consume programming through streaming.
Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden stated that the company is 'centralizing as a television business, not a bunch of silos.' This means combining divisions historically operated separately into a more centralized television operation. The restructuring will affect some executives overseeing those businesses and may result in hundreds of job losses.
The changes are part of a broader streamlining effort under CEO Josh D'Amaro, who took over Disney in March. Layoffs have already affected marketing, Pixar, ABC News, and ESPN, with more than 300 additional positions eliminated on Tuesday. The Disney legal and global affairs operation is also preparing for reductions, with Chief Legal and Global Affairs Officer Horacio Gutierrez stating the organization will become 'a much smaller organization.'
The restructuring aims to elevate streaming and technology within Disney's senior leadership, as seen in the appointment of former YouTube executive Adam Smith as Chairman of Streaming and Karandeep Anand to the newly-created position of Chief Technology Officer.