ITV

Tag: Disney Streaming

  • ESPN to add user-generated content to new streaming service, targeting younger viewers

    ESPN to add user-generated content to new streaming service, targeting younger viewers

    MUMBAI: ESPN is stepping into the future of streaming, and it’s not coming cheap. In a bid to capture younger, digital-first audiences, Disney’s ESPN is planning to integrate user-generated content into its upcoming flagship streaming service, set to debut later this year.

    While the specifics remain under wraps, sources confirm that ESPN subscribers will eventually be able to upload their own content to the platform. Chasing Youtube? Taking a shot at Instagram? Arriving fashionably late to the game? Maybe. But ESPN has long been the go-to for die-hard sports fans, so if they filter out the fluff and actually build a platform that celebrates real sports content, they might just score big. However, don’t expect to upload your highlight reels at launch. The company is pushing to roll out the service before the NFL season kicks off in September, but no official date has been revealed yet. When pressed for details, ESPN remained as tight-lipped as a coach before the championship game.

    Disney has reportedly explored the possibility of adding user-generated content to Disney+ as well, taking cues from Youtube, the streaming giant that dominates the market. Youtube, a subsidiary of Alphabet, holds an 11.1 per cent share of total TV usage in the U.S., according to Nielsen. With Youtube’s creator-led model proving highly effective, it’s no surprise that ESPN and other media giants are considering ways to tap into this trend.

    ESPN executives are eyeing a premium price point, with a subscription likely costing either $25 or $30 per month. This new service will bundle ESPN’s linear programming with additional digital perks, aiming to provide a comprehensive sports streaming experience.

    An official announcement detailing the service’s name, pricing, and launch timeline is expected in the coming months.

    The push toward interactive content underscores a broader industry trend: capturing younger viewers who are increasingly favouring short-form content on platforms like Youtube and Tiktok over traditional live sports broadcasts. With ESPN spending tens of billions of dollars annually on live sports media rights, the pressure is on to keep audiences engaged and subscribed.

    As the sports media landscape evolves, ESPN is betting on interactivity, exclusivity, and premium pricing to stay ahead. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how well it balances its core sports content with the participatory elements that younger viewers crave.

    (Cited from CNBC)

  • Media veteran Nitin Chawla moves on from Disney

    Media veteran Nitin Chawla moves on from Disney

    Mumbai: Global media veteran Nitin Chawla has announced his decision to quit The Walt Disney Company after over a 13 years-stint. He was head of business operations, digital media for direct-to-consumer and international business.

    “After 13 wonderful years at The Walt Disney Company (TWDC), I have decided to leave the company and today is my last day,” he said in a recently shared LinkedIn post.

    At Disney, Chawla was responsible for business operations, strategy and profitability of The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of owned, operated and third-party entertainment and news digital assets like ABC, ABC News, Disney, FreeForm, FX, National Geographic, Marvel, and Star Wars.

    “As I reflect on my career at Disney, I am filled with nothing but gratitude for the diverse professional opportunities to contribute to the company’s growth. From putting TWDC on the entertainment map in the fast-growing Indian market, driving the company’s innovation agenda through immersive technology-led experiences, and re-positioning Disney’s digital assets for a direct-to-consumer streaming future, it has been an incredible ride,” he further said.

    In the same post, Chawla also hinted at his possible next professional assignment. “Through all of this, I’ve worked with and learned from the best and the brightest in the industry, many of whom have become friends and family for life. While I will miss Disney, I’m excited and energized about my next professional chapter. More to come on that in the next few days. Stay tuned.”

    In a career spanning over 25 years, Chawla has had a track record of operating and scaling existing businesses, driving technology-led innovation, building new ventures, and driving transformational growth.

    He began his journey with Disney as VP (corporate strategy/business development) and GM (interactive business) in 2008. He defined and executed the strategy and growth agenda for the company in India – including, new venture evaluation, M&A and strategic partnerships for existing lines of businesses (television, films, digital, retail). He also led the Disney Interactive operations and P&L (gaming and app/online business).

    In 2013, he was elevated to the position of VP and GM, connected experiences (games and interactive experiences) at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

  • Disney forms international content group, Rebecca Campbell to lead

    Disney forms international content group, Rebecca Campbell to lead

    Mumbai: The Walt Disney Company is creating a new hub for international content under the direction of international content and operations chairman Rebecca Campbell.

    The company is also making several key executive appointments to its media and entertainment distribution segment under the leadership of its chairman Kareem Daniel.

    Joe Earley becomes Hulu’s new president

    In her newly expanded role as international content and operations chairman, Campbell will focus on local and regional content production for Disney’s streaming services, as well as continue overseeing Disney’s international media teams worldwide, reporting directly to The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek.

    “Disney’s direct-to-consumer efforts have progressed at a tremendous pace in just a few short years, and our organisation has continued to grow and evolve in support of our ambitious global streaming strategy,” stated Bob Chapek. “Rebecca has played a vital role in orchestrating our global platform expansion, and I’m excited that she will be leading our new International Content group, bringing her expertise and talent to oversee the growing pipeline of original local and regional content for our streaming services while continuing to lead our international operations. Likewise, with a relentless focus on serving consumers, Kareem has developed an industry-leading team of seasoned executives who are uniquely equipped to take our streaming business into Disney’s next century.”

    Campbell will continue to oversee the company’s teams in the Asia Pacific, EMEA, India and Latin America who manage the company’s international linear channels, regional streaming, local ad sales, and local distribution. “Great content is what drives the success of our streaming services, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work even more closely with the talented creators in our international markets who are producing new stories with local relevance to delight our audiences around the globe,” she said in a statement.

    The international content and operations group will be home to a fourth content-creation engine for the company, alongside the studios’ content, general entertainment content and sports content groups.

    Michael Paull has been promoted to the newly created role of Disney Streaming president with accountability for Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and Star+ and will oversee these platforms globally for the media and entertainment distribution segment reporting to Daniel.  

    “From the inception of our DTC business, we have been guided by a single, clear goal—to bring audiences the best entertainment wherever and whenever they choose—and we have continued to build a world-class team to deliver on that promise,” said Kareem Daniel. “Michael Paull has deep experience in the world of streaming and is an accomplished leader with a passion for this business and a proven track record of building and expanding our streaming operations. Bringing Disney’s streaming platforms together under Michael’s expert leadership will allow us to create an even more compelling value proposition for consumers.”

    Joe Earley, who previously served as Disney+ executive vice president marketing and operations, has been named Hulu president and will report to Paull.

    The streaming leadership team will also include a new head of Disney+, who has yet to be named. Russell Wolff continues to serve as head of ESPN+. These roles will also report to Paull.

    “Now that we have established our platforms as category leaders, I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead as we continue to innovate and scale globally, while delighting consumers with all the incredible entertainment and sports programming coming from our content partners,” said Michael Paull. “I’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with Joe Earley these past few years and can’t imagine a better leader to take the helm of Hulu.”