In an interesting move, Disney has made the decision to ban all current Netflix advertisements shown on any of their networks as it continues to build up its own streaming platform, Disney+. In an official public statement the company commented that the “direct-to-consumer business has evolved, with many more entrants looking to advertise in traditional television, and across our portfolio of networks,” adding that it has “reevaluated our strategy to reflect the comprehensive business relationships we have with many of these companies, as direct-to-consumer is one element.”
Meanwhile, Netflix will still be allowed to advertise on Disney’s other subsidiary networks such as ESPN due to the streamer itself not having a selection of live network sports’ channels. The streamer was also similarly banned on ABC, FX and Freeform and National Geographic platforms as well with one notable event being ABC’s annual telecast of the Oscars which the primetime network has not publicly commented on.
The conglomerate’s decision follows closely behind CEO Bob Iger’s own decision to resign from Apple’s board of directors, leading many to speculate how competitive the company is growing due to the uptick in more and more new streaming services being offered to the public. However back in 2017, the strategic move was hinted at by the production company when they announced then that they would cease licensing most of their content to Netflix in the coming years— few of Disney’s shows remain on the platform to this day.
For the streamer itself, Netflix publicly ended their relationship with Disney when they announced they would no longer produce several of their current Marvel series line-ups such as Jessica Jones and Daredevil despite the series both being big audience draws for the streaming platform. With Disney+ launching soon in November, audiences can expect more content to leave the streamer if future negotiations begin to fail with Netflix and other companies similar to Disney.
Preorders of $6.99 per month have already been made for the upcoming streaming service and will give fans access to hundreds of old shows, films, and other classic Disney produced content. So far, Disney’s overall revenue has gone up 33% from the prior year— a $20.2 billion increase—allowing the company the opportunity to make even more similar bold moves going forward.