- Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, former Disney heir apparents, have returned as advisers to CEO Bob Iger.
- They have been brought on board to help figure out what to do with ESPN and Disney's other television properties.
- Speculation has arisen that their return is also an audition for Iger's job as he looks for a permanent successor.
- Mayer and Staggs have impressive resumes and are currently working together at their investment firm, Candle Media.
- If they end up competing against each other for the CEO job or if Iger passes over them, it will be a moment of high drama.
- Disney CEO Robert Iger has stated that the company's traditional television business, including ABC and ESPN, may not be core to its future.
- This aligns with the vision of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who emphasized putting consumers at the center of every decision and integrating digital and in-person entertainment.
- In September, Disney announced perks for Disney+ subscribers related to theme parks, merchandise, cruise lines, and theatrical movies.
- Chapek was ousted in favor of Iger's return just two months after announcing this ambitious vision.
- Selling the linear networks would leave Disney's future primarily focused on its parks and direct-to-consumer businesses.
Walt Disney Co is taking legal action against a board of supervisors in Florida, claiming a breach of contracts and presenting a dozen defenses to refute the board's allegations, which Disney argues were made in an attempt to undermine its power and retaliate against its opposition to the controversial "Don't Say Gay" legislation.
Disney's stock is on course to reach its lowest level since 2014, showing a significant drop in market capitalization since Bob Iger returned as CEO, while AMC's stock is falling as investors anticipate its stock conversion.
The return of Bob Iger as CEO of The Walt Disney Company has resulted in continued fights with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, several box office flops, plummeting attendance at theme parks, and declining subscribers for Disney+ leading to the lowest closing stock price since 2014.
Disney's former CEO Bob Iger was reluctant to give up his office, which included a private shower and vanity, when his successor Bob Chapek took over, leading to a power struggle between the two executives.
Disney's former and current executives believe that CEO Bob Iger's ultimate plan is to sell the company to Apple, a potential acquisition that analysts have been speculating about for years.
Disney has dropped the majority of its federal lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, now focusing only on the claim that its First Amendment rights were violated due to criticism of the 'Don't Say Gay' bill.
Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger is considering options for the company's traditional broadcast and cable businesses, including the potential sale of ABC, as streaming services and declining viewership threaten the future of linear TV.
Disney CEO Bob Iger aims to "quiet the noise" and lower tensions after the company's involvement in culture wars, as he believes it is detrimental to business.
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger is feeling overwhelmed and exhausted as he tries to turn around the company's declining stock price, with activist investor Nelson Peltz increasing his stake in the firm due to a lack of confidence in Iger's leadership.
