Disney Takes Full Ownership of Hulu in $8.61 Billion Deal Amid Streaming Wars

Disney finalizes Hulu acquisition by buying NBCUniversal’s outstanding stake, despite considerable debt, marking a significant step in the media giant's shift towards streaming and potentially signifying an eventual consolidation of Disney's streaming services.

Disney has settled an outstanding agreement and announced that it will be buying NBCUniversal's remaining stake in Hulu for approximately $8.61 billion, giving Disney full ownership and control of the streaming service.
Despite being in considerable debt, primarily due to the Fox deal from 2019, this move demonstrates Disney's shift towards prioritizing its streaming services as they believe the future of media lies in streaming, not traditional TV.
For Hulu subscribers, it is unlikely that there will be any immediate changes as Disney has been the main supplier of content for Hulu for quite some time. However, speculation arises whether Disney might consolidate its streaming services, as most Hulu content is already on Disney+ in Canada and a 'one app experience' for Disney+ and Hulu is expected to launch soon.
Disney's acquisition of Hulu may lead to an eventual withdrawal from traditional TV. Recent reports indicate potential preliminary talks about selling ABC to Nexstar, a move that could help fund Disney's focus on its streaming future.
Despite the hefty initial cost and the company's existing debt, Disney's move towards streaming indicates its determination to adapt to the changing landscape of the media industry. However, the eventual costs could possibly be passed on to consumers through price increases for Disney’s streaming services.