Walt Disney, the major U.S. media and entertainment company, is planning a reorganization of its television business that could lead to the elimination of hundreds of jobs and the consolidation of divisions, the Wall Street Journal reported on the 1st, citing people familiar with the matter. According to the WSJ, the plan is being led by Debra O'Connell, chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, and may not be finalized within the year. It is part of a series of organizational restructurings since Josh D'Amaro became chief executive in March. The reorganization is aimed at rebuilding the business around users of streaming services rather than around the brands built decades ago for traditional television broadcasting, and is expected to affect executives who lead divisions including ABC Entertainment, 20th Television, Hulu Originals, and Freeform. Disney also cut hundreds of jobs last year in areas including film and television marketing, television publicity, and casting and production development, and this year it has cut staff in its marketing division as well as at Pixar, ABC News, and ESPN, with people familiar with the matter saying that on September 29 it cut hundreds of jobs, mainly in human resources and technology.
Walt Disney CompanyDisney plans a TV-business reorganization that could cut hundreds of jobs and consolidate divisions, part of ongoing restructuring since D'Amaro became CEO.
ESPN is cited among Disney units that have already seen staff cuts this year, within the broader TV reorganization.
