Disney Streaming Service to Crackdown on Password Sharing

Meanwhile, Disney CEO Bob Iger said on the quarterly earnings call that the price hikes were intended to push more Disney+ subscribers to the service’s ad-supported option.

“The advertising marketplace for streaming is picking up. It’s more healthy than the advertising marketplace for linear television,” Mr. Iger said.

Linear television revenue continued to fall in the first half of 2023, declining 7 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

The studio CEO discussed the future of Disney’s television assets, which include ABC, the Disney Channel, FX, and National Geographic.

Mr. Iger fueled speculation in an interview with CNBC last month after suggesting that some of the channels might be put up for sale.

“While linear remains highly profitable for Disney today, the trends being fueled by cord-cutting are unmistakable,” said Mr. Iger, adding, “as I’ve stated before, we’re thinking expansively and considering a variety of strategic options.”

Mr. Iger also suggested that Disney+ may follow Netflix’s path by cracking down on password sharing, which helped its rival add millions of new subscribers.

“In calendar 2024, we’re going to get at this issue,” he said regarding password policy.

“We certainly have established this as a real priority. We actually think that there’s an opportunity here to help us grow our business.”

The Disney CEO also addressed the ongoing Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes, after calling their moves “very disruptive” in a July interview.

“Nothing is more important to this company than its relationships with the creative community, and that includes actors, writers, animators, directors, and producers,” said Mr. Iger.

“I have deep respect and appreciation for all those who are vital to the extraordinary creative engine that drives this company and our industry.”

“And it is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months. And I am personally committed to working to achieve this result,” he concluded/

Disney+ Raises Prices as It Loses 300,000 Domestic Subscribers

Amazon Shares Suffer Worst Losing Streak Since July 2006 Amid Concern Over AI Spending

Remembering 108 Children, Grieving Parents Urge Snapchat Reforms

European Official Warns That Americans Can Be Silenced by EU Online Speech Laws