Disney TV Layoffs: Up to 20% Savings Targets — SkimNews
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- Disney handed managers targets for the next company-wide layoff round, with some asked to achieve as much as 20% in annual cost savings; more executives than expected took voluntary early-retirement offers, partly easing the reductions required.
- Disney Entertainment Television is positioned to absorb cuts in a restructuring reported for early 2027, likely January, with the TV networks division believed to be among the areas most seriously affected.
- Craig Erwich already oversees 20th Television, ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals after Debra OConnell’s first major executive move, with 20th Television President Karey Burke reporting to him.
- 20th Television is increasingly focused on supplying Disney platforms while retaining a small third-party slate that includes CBS’s Tracker, Netflix’s Nobody Wants This and The Beast In Me, and Apple TV’s Imperfect Women.
- Joe Earley moved from co-president of Disney’s direct-to-consumer operation, where he reported to Dana Walden, to OConnell’s group as president of Disney Entertainment Television Franchise and Content Strategy.
- Charlie Andrews, the Disney Branded Television EVP, is being floated for a potentially bigger role as industry speculation focuses on integrating Hulu and Disney+ content teams.
- A+E Global Media: Disney sold a 50% stake in the company to Hearst for $1.2 billion as Disney moved to decrease dependence on the declining linear TV business.
Why it matters: The 20% savings targets put Disney Entertainment Television managers under pressure to identify reductions for a restructuring reportedly timed to January 2027. OConnell’s placement of 20th Television under Erwich changes executive accountability across ABC, Hulu and the studio, while voluntary retirements soften the staffing burden without eliminating the cuts.
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