Hugh Johnston, the CFO of Disney, is gearing up for a long negotiation with YouTube TV. He shared during a recent CNBC interview that Disney is ready to negotiate “as long as they want to.”
Amidst Disney’s fourth-quarter financial results, Johnston confirmed they are actively discussing the situation. He emphasized that these talks are live and ongoing. Recent reports suggest that negotiations between Disney and YouTube TV have become more fruitful lately, which adds to the circumstances surrounding the discussion.
Tom Rogers, a media expert, was on the same show before Johnston. He mentioned that Disney’s traditional media strength might not hold the same weight anymore. When asked about this, Johnston disagreed, suggesting that the reality isn’t as bleak as it sounds.
He later explained that Disney has prepared for various outcomes in their Q1 2026 guidance. They factored in potential revenue losses from subscribers who might shift to other platforms while the negotiations unfold.
Disney CEO Bob Iger also expressed the company’s priority to keep their content accessible to consumers. He stressed that the proposed deal aligns with agreements they’ve made with other major distributors. Iger highlighted that they’re not trying to set new precedents but rather reach an agreement that reflects the true value of their content.
In a world where streaming services are constantly battling for viewer attention, the stakes are high. Disney’s content is a significant draw for many subscribers, and maintaining access is crucial.
Recent Trends and Insights:
- Changing Landscape: According to a recent survey by Deloitte, 61% of viewers prefer streaming platforms over traditional television. This shift puts more pressure on networks like Disney to keep their content accessible.
- Viewer Reactions: Social media has buzzed with comments about the Disney-YouTube negotiations, showing strong support for Disney’s position. Many fans share their frustrations about possible disruptions to their favorite shows.
- Expert Opinions: Media analyst Michael Nathanson recently mentioned that legacy companies like Disney may need to adapt more swiftly to changing viewer habits to retain market share.
In conclusion, as Disney navigates these critical discussions, their strategies will likely impact not just their bottom line but also how audiences consume content going forward.
For more insights on media negotiations, you can read this report from Deloitte.
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