• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Disney Closes 100 TV Stations, Pivot To Streaming Continues

  • Disney is closing 100 international TV channels.
  • The company is focusing its efforts on Disney+ and its other streaming services, which have over 100M subscribers.
Disney/Design: Alex Brooks

Millions of people are dropping traditional TV for streaming services, and now Disney is, too.

The Mouse announced Monday it is terminating 100 international TV channels this year, continuing a restructuring that’s funneling the bulk of its content into its Disney+ service. 

The company also closed 30 overseas stations last year and has been consolidating major TV and movie production studios. 

Disney’s streaming empire focuses on a few key properties:

  • Disney+ — which holds a large library of original, classic, and acquired programs — has over 103 million subscribers.
  • ESPN+, with around 14 million subscribers, recently acquired broadcast rights to MLB and La Liga, adding those to a portfolio that includes Bundesliga, PGA Tour, MLS, UFC, Wimbledon, and other major tennis tournaments.
  • India-based Hotstar, which is bundled into Disney+ and known for its cricket coverage, accounted for a third of new signups to Disney+ in the fiscal quarter that ended April 3.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek said that the network is being proactive in remaking its content for a streaming-focused world.

Chapek noted earlier in May that Disney+ is on pace for 230-260 million subscribers by the end of 2024. Disney’s Hulu subscriptions grew 30% year-over-year to 41.6 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

opinion

Mel Kiper Jr.’s Shedeur Sanders Fixation Hurt ESPN Draft Coverage

Kiper called NFL teams “clueless” and said Sanders’s fall was “disgusting.”
exclusive

Fox, Shannon Sharpe Settled Physical Incident With Female PA

Sharpe’s reps confirm a past “physical” incident was settled by Fox.
Cristina Daglas
exclusive

ESPN Executive Editor Cristina Daglas Out After HR Investigation

Daglas was placed on administrative leave in January.

ESPN Nears Draft Rights Extension Amid NFL-Disney Talks

The league has not signed its next NFL Draft media-rights deals.

Featured Today

Jun 21, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck holds the Larry O’Brien trophy prior to the Boston Celtics championship parade.

The Celtics Succession Plan Remains Murky

The transfer of power to a private-equity group is still unresolved.
April 26, 2025

The Rays Groundskeepers Are Adjusting to Life Outside the Dome

After nearly three decades in a dome, Tampa groundskeepers were forced outside.
April 25, 2025

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
April 21, 2025

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.

NFL Draft Round 1 Draws 13.6M Viewers, Second-Highest Ever

With stars staying on the board, viewers tuned in.
April 25, 2025

Knicks, Rangers to See Big Cut in MSG Networks Media-Rights Fees

The teams will each see big reductions in their local media-rights fees.
April 25, 2025

Goodell: Three NFL Games Every Christmas Moving Forward

The league is returning to scheduling three games on the holiday this season.
Sponsored

Fighting for Clarity: Inside UFC’s New Partnership With Total Wireless

UFC teams with Total Wireless in a no-frills partnership built for today’s mobile-first, value-driven fanbase.
April 24, 2025

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.
FuboTV signage
April 23, 2025

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.
Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.
April 23, 2025

Roku’s New Plan to Relieve Streaming Headaches

The streaming company introduces new tools to direct fans to games.
Apr 20, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
April 22, 2025

NBA Playoffs Deliver Most-Watched Opening Weekend in 25 Years

It was the most-watched opening weekend on ESPN platforms.