Disney Consolidates Distribution

21

Walt Disney Co. said it has formed a unit to sell TV programs in other countries in an effort to consolidate its U.S. and international distribution efforts.


Disney, which owns ABC and ESPN networks, said it is combining several distribution departments to form the new unit — with hopes to extend the Burbank company’s international reach for its TV shows utilizing the Internet, cable, satellite and even mobile cell phone networks.


Shares in Disney closed down 57 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $34.19 Wednesday in trading on the New York Stock Exchange.