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Bob Iger

Bob Iger and Tim Cook at the Allen & Co conference in 2016.

Could Apple be the “Strategic Partner” of Iger’s Dreams?

Apple has rarely shelled out meaningful capital in M&A, often deciding to build competing products within its rounded walls. But its interests in streaming, and sports, might make ESPN an alluring target—no matter how far-fetched the notion might have once seemed.
Dylan Byers • August 18, 2023
Matthew Belloni • August 18, 2023
Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun Haven’t Talked in Months
Justin Bieber
Neither side is confirming a split, but they’re headed separate ways and their lawyers are involved. Plus news on Iger’s latest headache, ‘Wheel of Fortune’ drama, Tyler Perry’s BET bid, and more.
Julia Alexander • August 15, 2023
Bob Iger’s Originals Sin
To pare its streaming losses, Disney plans to reduce spending, raise prices, crack down on password sharing, and produce less—less!—content. In an era of ruthless competition and franchise fatigue, Iger may be pushing the limits of what consumers will pay without getting something original in return.
Looking at each of Iger’s recent strategic decisions, you’ve got to wonder if he may be running out of good ideas to solve Disney’s myriad of problems.
William D. Cohan • August 13, 2023
Iger Deal Psychology
Iger may be consulting Warren Buffett (and Mayer and Staggs) about his streaming options, but in the everything-on-the-table era at Disney, well, there aren’t that many options really on the table. Herewith, a Wall Street view of a Hollywood challenge.
Matthew Belloni • August 11, 2023
Strike Pressure, Iger’s Desperation, & the ‘Barbie’ Effect
News and notes on the biggest Hollywood stories of the week: Disney earnings, ‘Oppenheimer’ in China, a Globes deadline, and more.
Dylan Byers • August 9, 2023
The Iger Mini-Gamble
Notes on ESPN’s $1.5 billion gambling deal with Penn.
Dylan Byers • August 2, 2023
The Iger Mouseketeer Plot Twist
Days after Matt’s scoop about Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs’ return to help their old boss, the town’s attention is focused precisely where you’d expect it…: succession.
Kevin Mayer was the architect of Disney’s big-ticket M&A and D.T.C. strategy, and Tom Staggs was Iger’s C.F.O., parks chief and C.O.O. before being passed over for the top job and leaving in 2016.
Matthew Belloni • July 31, 2023
Iger Brings Back His Old Heirs Apparent
Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs have both been engaged individually to consult with Iger, ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro, and others at Disney.
ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro’s challenge now is to get direct-to-consumer done profitably, either for Disney, or for Comcast, or for some other strategic partner that Iger cooks up.
William D. Cohan • July 19, 2023
The ESPN-to-Comcast Deal Thesis
Ever since Iger’s stream of consciousness confessional in Sun Valley, M&A bankers have been fantasizing about the structure (and price) of a possible ESPN divestiture. Here’s the most compelling possibility.
Bob Iger, himself, said that companies tied to the linear and satellite businesses are in real trouble—but those pivoting to streaming aren’t in the clear, either.
Julia Alexander • July 19, 2023
The Iger Streaming Beta Blocker
Disney needs to both cut its losses and grow its appeal outside of its core franchises. Herewith, a few ideas for how Iger can turn things around.