Credited from: REUTERS
Walt Disney Co. has confirmed that it is laying off several hundred employees as part of its broader strategy to cut costs amid the industry's transition towards streaming platforms. These layoffs, initiated on June 2, 2025, will impact teams involved in film and television marketing, publicity, casting, development, and corporate finance, marking a significant step in Disney’s ongoing restructuring efforts as stated by a company spokesperson according to CBS News and Reuters.
This latest round of layoffs follows previous reductions wherein Disney cut around 7,000 jobs in 2023 to save $5.5 billion. The company has faced increasing pressure from evolving consumer habits, leading to a reported decrease in traditional cable viewership, pushing Disney to revise its content strategy and production pipelines. According to BBC and SFGate, Disney emphasized its focus on optimizing its direct-to-consumer offerings like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ during this transition.
Despite the downsizing, Disney has reported a stronger-than-expected financial performance in its latest quarterly earnings, disclosing revenues of $23.6 billion, a 7% increase from the previous year. The company's strategy seems to be paving the way for improved profitability in its streaming segment, with services showing signs of recovery, as noted by India Times and India Times.
The cuts reflect a larger trend in the media industry as companies adapt to changing viewer preferences and intense competition in the streaming sector, with Disney now navigating multiple layoffs over the past year that have impacted its workforce significantly. As highlighted in analyses from CBS News, Reuters, and BBC, the restructuring efforts aim to bolster efficiency in a landscape where streaming has become paramount.