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☆ 6 key Disney executives working with Bob Iger to remake former CEO Bob Chapek's business structure
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Lucia Moses | Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Disney CEO Bob Iger has returned to a company facing significant pressures on its linear and streaming businesses. He'll also need to unwind the business structure implemented in 2020 by his short-lived predecessor, Bob Chapek — which separated budgeting and distribution decisions from creative content development. Alan Bergman, chairman, Disney Studios ContentAlan Bergman. Disney Interactive/Reuters/Jonathan AlcornPitaro is close to Iger, has a long tenure at Disney, and has a foot in both creative and business sides. Dana Walden, chairman, Disney General Entertainment ContentDana Walden.

☆ The career rise of 'Avatar' director James Cameron, whose mega-expensive sequel is finally in theaters after a 13-year wait
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Travis Clark | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Over the last 13 years since "Avatar" was released, Cameron has conceived of four sequels, which will be released in 2022, 2024, 2026, and 2028, respectively. "Avatar: The Way of Water." The first of the sequels, "Avatar: The Way of Water," is now in theaters. The third "Avatar" movie has already been shot, but Cameron recently told Empire Magazine that he's open to another director making the fourth and fifth movies. If there's one thing the last nearly three decades has taught moviegoers, it's to never underestimate James Cameron.

☆ Cramer picks favorite down-and-out stock for 2023 and calls a bottom on another name
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Matthew J. Belvedere | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

But Jim Cramer said during the Club's December "Monthly Meeting" on Thursday that he has hope for both of them. Disney (DIS), Jim said, might just be his favorite down-and-out stock for 2023. Bob Iger is back as Disney CEO. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.

REUTERS/Mike BlakeDec 13 (Reuters) - Fox Corp (FOXA.O) Chairman Rupert Murdoch is set to be questioned under oath on Tuesday in a defamation lawsuit over his network’s coverage of unfounded vote-rigging claims during the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The deposition comes as special committees of the boards of directors for News Corp (NWSA.O) and Murdoch-controlled Fox Corp consider a proposal from Murdoch to re-combine, nearly a decade after the companies split. Murdoch will be questioned via videoconference on Tuesday and Wednesday by lawyers for Dominion, according to a filing in Delaware Superior Court. On Dec. 5, Murdoch’s eldest son and executive chair and CEO of Fox Corp (FOXA.O), Lachlan, sat for a deposition in Los Angeles. Murdoch’s other son, James Murdoch, was questioned in October.

[1/4] Director James Cameron arrives at the world premiere of 'Avatar: The Way of Water' in London, Britain December 6, 2022. Hollywood's big question about "Avatar: The Way of Water" is whether the follow-up to the highest-grossing movie of all time can attract enough moviegoers to recoup its massive production and marketing costs. The 2009 movie remains the highest-grossing film in history with $2.9 billion in global ticket sales. Some disliked wearing 3D glasses, or objected to paying the 3D ticket surcharge. On opening weekend, Robbins predicts "The Way of Water" will rack up at least $150 million at domestic theaters.

☆ From Disney to Target to Boeing, retirement is a thing of the past for CEOs
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Bob Woods | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

SUN VALLEY, ID - JULY 13: (L-R) Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, Dick Costolo, former chief executive officer of Twitter, Lachlan Murdoch, co-chairman of Twenty-First Century Fox, Sundar Pichai, chief executive officer of Google, and Randall Stephenson, chief executive officer of AT&T, mingle during the annual Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, July 13, 2018 in Sun Valley, Idaho. The average tenure for departing CEOs during that same time period was about 11 years, up from nine years in 2020. That's not surprising, because of the impact of the pandemic and [other] crises, where boards put CEO succession on hold," Anterasian said. "In our research, boards put CEO succession on hold during crises," Anterasian said. At Disney, Iger has said he will only stay on for two years before a successor takes over.

☆ Rupert Murdoch will be deposed in Dominion's $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Fox Corp . Chairman Rupert Murdoch is scheduled to appear for a deposition next week as part of Dominion Voting's defamation lawsuit against the company and its cable TV networks. In its $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox, Dominion has argued that Fox News and Fox Business made false claims that its voting machines were rigged in the 2020 presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Earlier this year Fox's TV personalities, including Maria Bartiromo, Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson and Jeanine Pirro, appeared for depositions. Dominion has argued Fox and its top executives played a role in Fox's TV personalities spreading misinformation about voter fraud. And with the Dominion case moving closer to the trial's expected start date in April, neither side has shown signs of entering settlement talks.

☆ Wall Street Journal insiders are buzzing about what a leadership shake-up could mean for Murdoch world
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Steven Perlberg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Sunday Times editor Emma Tucker is expected to replace Journal editor Matt Murray, Semafor reported. News Corp insiders believe Murdoch might make changes ahead of a possible recombination of News Corp and Fox. Is Rupert Murdoch planning to move his editorial chess pieces ahead of a potential recombination of News Corp and Fox? Last month, Semafor reported that Wall Street Journal editor Matt Murray is expected to be replaced by Emma Tucker, who leads fellow News Corp title The Sunday Times in London. That report followed the October disclosure that Murdoch is considering recombining News Corp with Fox Corp, with both companies convening special committees to review options.

In this article DIS Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTBob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company Scott Mlyn | CNBCDisney reappointed Bob Iger as its chief executive recently, abruptly replacing his hand-picked successor Bob Chapek, and giving Iger an early goal — find a new replacement during the next two years. Iger's attention has quickly turned to the other part of his mandate from the board — the immediate challenges facing Disney's business, such as the company's reorganization, cost structure and the future growth of its streaming business. He is the chairman of Disney's studio content and spearheaded the integration of Iger's acquisitions into Disney's overall content pipeline. D'Amaro is head of Disney's parks, experiences and products, the same position Chapek held before becoming CEO. Rebecca Campbell, who's currently in charge of Disney's international content and operations, is another candidate that Iger may favor, people familiar with the matter said.

☆ Disney succession plan is a top priority for returning CEO Bob Iger: 'People would struggle to write down three names' at the company who could step up
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Lucia Moses | Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger is back in his old job, in a move that shocked the media world. From cost cuts to streaming to a solid future succession plan, here's what they hope the CEO will tackle. Following the stunning November 20 announcement that former Disney CEO Bob Iger would be returning to his old job, the happiest place on earth might actually be Wall Street. "What I like about Bob Iger is Bob Iger has always been direct, he's been honest, he's been willing to make tough choices," Michael Nathanson, a senior research analyst and co-founder of the firm, said in a CNBC interview. Are you a Disney insider with insight to share about Bob Iger's return?

☆ 6 Disney executives Bob Iger will trust to drive his new strategy as he radically remakes the business structure implemented by former CEO Bob Chapek
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Lucia Moses | Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The returning CEO will have to unwind the business structure implemented by Bob Chapek while finding a successor. Disney CEO Bob Iger returns to a company facing significant pressures on its linear and streaming businesses. He'll also need to unwind the business structure implemented in 2020 by his short-lived predecessor, Bob Chapek — which separated budgeting and distribution decisions from creative content development. Alan Bergman, chairman, Disney Studios ContentAlan Bergman. Dana Walden, chairman, Disney General Entertainment ContentDana Walden.

☆ Man sentenced up to three years in prison for fatal hit-and-run of ‘Gone Girl’ actress Lisa Banes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Tavleen Tarrant | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Brian Boyd, the 27-year-old man who killed ‘Gone Girl’ actress Lisa Banes in a hit-and-run incident, has been sentenced to up to three years in prison Wednesday, according to Douglas Cohen from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Boyd pleaded guilty in September to manslaughter in the second degree and leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death without reporting, according to the DA. “Lisa Banes was a beloved friend, family and community member whose life was tragically cut short. Banes seen here with Ben Affleck in 2014's 'Gone Girl.' Banes was known for starring as Marybeth Elliot in the 2014 film “Gone Girl,” but has also starred alongside Tom Cruise in the 1988 film “Cocktail” and has appeared in TV shows like “Nashville,” “Masters of Sex,” and “Royal Pains.”

☆ Lachlan Murdoch biographer breaks down his relationship with father Rupert Murdoch and why a merger of Fox and News Corp is about 'entrenching Lachlan's control'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

A new unauthorized biography of Lachlan Murdoch explores his business profile and family relationships. Its author, Paddy Manning, speculates about who might exit if Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corp and News Corp recombine. Rupert Murdoch remains executive chairman of News Corp and chairman of Fox. Lachlan Murdoch was named Fox's CEO, and James Murdoch, after four years as CEO of 21st Century Fox, was left to carve his own path. If you're looking longer-term about who's going to run the company beyond the merger, if it happens, [News Corp CEO] Robert Thomson is probably retiring.

☆ Clarence Gilyard, ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star, dead at 66
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Toyin Owoseje | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Clarence Gilyard, the actor best known for playing computer hacker Theo in “Die Hard” and naval flight officer Marcus “Sundown” Williams in “Top Gun,” has died at the age of 66. His death was announced on Monday in a statement from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he had been working as an associate professor at the College of Fine Arts. Gilyard played Theo, the heist crew's hacker, in "Die Hard." According to UNLV, Gilyard ventured into acting after studying Theatre Arts at California State University. Despite his accomplished acting career, Gilyard stepped away from acting in 2006 to start teaching at UNLV and directing productions at the university’s Nevada Conservatory Theatre.

☆ News Corp shareholder T Rowe Price raises concerns over Fox merger - NYT
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 25 (Reuters) - T. Rowe Price (TROW.O), a major shareholder in News Corp (NWSA.O), said it had strong reservations about Rupert Murdoch's plan to reunite News Corp and Fox Corp (FOXA.O), The New York Times reported on Friday, joining other investors in dissent over the plan. T. Rowe Price told the newspaper that a merger of the two companies would probably undervalue News Corp, which it believes is trading for less than it is worth. T. Rowe Price owns about 17.88% of News Corp, according to Refinitiv data, and is the largest shareholder after the Murdoch family. Fox and News Corp declined to comment, while T. Rowe Price did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Independent Franchise Partners owns about 7% of News Corp's Class A shares and 6.4% in Fox Corp.

☆ The Disney CFO Who Raised Concerns About Bob Chapek Has Respect on the Street
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Nina Trentmann | Mark Maurer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +6 min

Christine McCarthy, Walt Disney Co. ’s longtime finance chief, took an unusual step when she expressed a lack of confidence in the chief executive to directors of the entertainment giant. But Ms. McCarthy had raised concerns to Disney directors, The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week. Newsletter Sign-up WSJ | CFO Journal The Morning Ledger provides daily news and insights on corporate finance from the CFO Journal team. Following the leadership shake-up, Disney faces a challenge to regain trust from the street and Ms. McCarthy needs to realign with her old and new chief executive Mr. Iger, analysts said. Age 67, Ms. McCarthy is likely to stay on while Mr. Iger reviews Disney’s strategy and searches for another successor to himself, analysts said.

[1/3] FILEPHOTO: Executive Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger arrives at the world premiere for the film 'The King's Man' at Leicester Square in London, Britain December 6, 2021. In his 15 years as Disney chief executive, Iger postponed his retirement four times, sidelining would-be successors. read more Part of his mandate, according to Disney, is to work with the board to develop a successor to lead the company. Chapek was among a shortlist of internal candidates vying for Iger's job, according to a source familiar with discussions. Another seen as a top contender was Kevin Mayer, Disney's longtime head of strategic planning who had shepherded the successful launch of Disney+, according to sources.

☆ ‘Avatar’ sequel needs $2 billion to break even. But are audiences still excited about 3D?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But a not-so-insignificant part of whether the lofty $2 billion+ box office goal can be achieved depends on whether audiences will rush to open their wallets and pay extra for what is being touted as an immersive 3D film experience. When the first “Avatar” debuted nearly 13 years ago, moviegoers filled theaters in droves with the explicit desire of seeing a dazzling 3D movie, glasses and all. But the era of the 3D film, in which it was groundbreaking to go all-in on the format, has long passed as the concept has lost its allure. Box office sales of 3D movies are on life support and have been for some time. The first “Avatar” benefited from a cocktail that included both the magnetism of a 3D spectacle and the inflated ticket prices.

☆ Disney is counting on Bob Iger to make hard decisions about its streaming and TV assets – or find someone who will
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Of course, while Iger said Disney was all-in on streaming, the reality was it wasn't, and it still isn't. Part of that shift was Disney's realization that it likely wasn't going to hit its target of 230 million to 260 million Disney+ subscribers by 2024. Disney shares have fallen nearly 40% this year. Disney shares surged during the pandemic even as theme parks closed and movies were kept out of theaters. "The old plan can't be the new plan," Greenfield said.

He will replace Bob Chapek, who took over as Disney CEO in February 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic led to park closures and visitor restrictions. Disney disappointed investors this month with an earnings report that showed mounting losses at its streaming media unit that includes Disney+. [1/2] Executive Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger arrives at the world premiere for the film 'The King's Man' at Leicester Square in London, Britain December 6, 2021. Disney did not respond to a request for comment on Trian and Trian did not respond to a request for comment. During his tenure, Disney made several key acquisitions, including Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment and 21st Century Fox, and boosted its market capitalization five-fold.

☆ Activist investor asks News Corp to spin off unit instead of merger with Fox
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 21 (Reuters) - Activist investor Irenic Capital Management, which holds 2% of News Corp's (NWSA.O) Class B shares, has suggested a spin-off of the media company's digital real estate business or Dow Jones as an alternative to its merger with Fox Corp (FOXA.O). Shares of News Corp, which has a market value of $10.34 billion, were down 1.7% in morning trade. "Putting the two (News Corp and Fox) together makes no sense to us." In October, media mogul Rupert Murdoch proposed to reunite his media empire by combining News Corp and Fox Corp nearly a decade after the companies split. "The problem is they did not go far enough after they separated out News Corp in 2013," Huber added.

Iger is widely considered entertainment industry royalty, celebrated for his management acumen and creative chops. He turned Disney into a global powerhouse by acquiring marquee brands such as Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox. Bob Chapek, left, and Bob Iger, in Orlando, Fla.,on Sept. 30, 2021. Shares of the Walt Disney Co. are down 40% this year, and layoffs are pending. But almost immediately, the entertainment industry media zeroed in on what was thought to be a frosty relationship between the two men.

He will replace Bob Chapek, who took over as Disney CEO in February 2020 just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leading to park closures and restrictions on visitors globally. Disney disappointed investors this month with an earnings report that showed mounting losses at its streaming media unit that includes Disney+. [1/2] Executive Chairman of the Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger arrives at the world premiere for the film 'The King's Man' at Leicester Square in London, Britain December 6, 2021. IGER'S RETURNSIger exited Disney on a high note as the company led the battle against Netflix in the streaming wars. During his tenure, Disney made several key acquisitions, including Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment and 21st Century Fox, and boosted its market capitalization five-fold.

☆ Bob Iger's return to Disney is fueling concern over future CEO succession plan: 'People would struggle to write down three names inside Disney' who could step up
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Lucia Moses | Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger is back in his old job, in a move that shocked the media world. From cost cuts to streaming to a solid future succession plan, here's what they hope the CEO will tackle. Following the stunning announcement late Sunday night that former Disney CEO Bob Iger would be returning to his old job, the happiest place on earth might actually be Wall Street. "What I like about Bob Iger is Bob Iger has always been direct, he's been honest, he's been willing to make tough choices," Michael Nathanson, a senior research analyst and co-founder of the firm, said in a CNBC interview on Monday. Are you a Disney insider with insight to share about Bob Iger's return?

☆ Can Bob Iger fix Disney?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Frank Pallotta | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But If anyone can bring back the magic to the Walt Disney Company, the company believes Bob Iger may be uniquely qualified to do it. StreamingIn a shocking move, Bob Iger is returning as Disney's CEO. Disney’s streaming service — which includes ESPN+, Hulu and most importantly, Disney+ — had been the most vital part of the company’s vast media kingdom. In its statement reintroducing Iger as CEO, Disney said he was “uniquely situated to lead the company through this pivotal period.”Iger was instrumental in forming the modern Disney. With the media industry in turmoil, Disney hope Iger is up to the tall task of righting its ship.

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