Disney Weighs Free Streaming Channels to Boost Disney+ as D’Amaro Defends $24 Billion Content Bet
Updated
Updated · Variety · Aug 5
Disney Weighs Free Streaming Channels to Boost Disney+ as D’Amaro Defends $24 Billion Content Bet
3 articles · Updated · Variety · Aug 5
Summary
FAST channels are now under active consideration at Disney, with CEO Josh D’Amaro saying free ad-supported services could widen reach, add ad inventory and funnel price-sensitive viewers into Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions.
Disney’s pitch rests on direct consumer ownership: D’Amaro argued Disney+ is a global touchpoint that generates first-party data, personalization and future revenue opportunities that a pure licensing model would sacrifice.
More than $24 billion in content spending remains central to that strategy, and D’Amaro said Disney+ and Hulu need a large global user base to support long-term growth as AI and new consumer technology cycles emerge.
Next spring, Disney+ is set for upgrades including games, merchandise and other subscriber benefits, while D’Amaro said recent media consolidation — including Fox’s $22 billion Roku deal — does not alter Disney’s path.