Disney Restructures Television for Streaming Focus
The company is consolidating its television operations to prioritize streaming platforms over legacy linear networks.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Television
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In March 2026, Disney began a major restructuring of its television leadership to centralize operations around its streaming services. The reorganization shifts the focus of units like ABC and 20th Television to prioritize digital growth.
Why it matters
Declining contributions from linear networks relative to streaming platforms prompted Disney to redirect its content strategy. This transition aims to improve the reach of Disney+ and the international Star branding by scaling back traditional network operations.
Disney has aggressively pruned its linear portfolio, including 30 foreign network closures in 2020 and the elimination of 18 channels across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong in 2021.
The players
Josh D'Amaro
He assumed the role of CEO of Disney television operations in March 2026.
Debra O'Connell
She is directing the consolidation of television units including ABC, 20th Television, and Hulu Originals.
Adam Smith
He serves as the sole chairman of Disney's direct-to-consumer business.
The details
Under the new structure, executives are consolidating units including ABC, 20th Television, and Hulu Originals to better align with streaming audience needs. The plan is expected to involve hundreds of layoffs as the firm prioritizes digital-first distribution.
Timeline
Disney purchased 21st Century Fox assets in 2019.
The company shuttered numerous international cable channels between 2020 and 2021.
Josh D'Amaro assumed the role of CEO of Disney's television operations in March 2026.
Disney expects to finalize its full television reorganization by late 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This move signals a broader shift in Hollywood where legacy studio giants are sacrificing linear cable reach to secure dominance in the streaming wars. The consolidation mirrors industry-wide efforts to prioritize direct-to-consumer platforms over traditional broadcast models.
Viewers can expect a gradual reduction of traditional cable channel availability as Disney migrates more content to streaming platforms. Subscribers to Disney+ will likely see an increase in the variety and volume of programming available exclusively on the service.
The takeaway
The pivot to digital-first distribution reflects the reality that streaming is now the primary driver of growth for media conglomerates. Consumers should expect traditional television bundles to become less central to the entertainment strategies of major studios moving forward.
What happens next
Disney plans to conclude the television reorganization process by late 2026.
Further reading
For more on how major networks are adjusting to digital trends, visit the Television section.
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