Part 9/11:
Beyond leadership, Disney faces immense operational challenges. The company has experienced a staggering 70% reduction in box office revenue, coupled with declining merchandise sales and shrinking theme parks. The streaming services, notably Disney+, are also hemorrhaging money, and the company has begun examining asset sales—such as considering offloading India’s Hotstar to reduce liabilities.
The company’s attempts to diversify become complicated by external pressures, including regulatory scrutiny, market saturation, and competitive threats. Attempts to sell or spin off assets like ESPN appear imminent, but regulatory hurdles and strategic considerations may slow or halt such moves.