Disney Considers Major Television Restructure Focused on Streaming

Overview

• Reports published October 19–20 say Disney is exploring a plan to centralize ABC Entertainment, 20th Television, Hulu Originals and Freeform under a streaming-focused structure.
• Disney Entertainment Television chairman Debra O’Connell is reportedly leading the proposal, which aims to cut overlapping functions and align shows and franchises to Disney+ and Hulu.
• The plan is not finalized and the company has not confirmed exact job counts or any permanent closures, though the reporting says hundreds of roles could be affected if the overhaul proceeds.
• The move follows several rounds of layoffs in 2026, including about 1,000 cuts in April and subsequent reductions in human resources and technology, and could extend beyond year-end.
• Executives point to higher ad-free subscription prices and roughly $712 million in streaming operating income in fiscal Q3 as the financial rationale, and the change could shift spending from linear-TV operations to streaming content and distribution.