Iger calls SAG-AFTRA demands “unrealistic”

Disney CEO Bob Iger said linear television “may not be core” to its strategies as it explores other options as the writer strike continues on two months after it began. Iger will remain in his position until 2026 after the board unanimously voted to extend his initial contract, which poised him to leave at the end of 2024.

During a CNBC interview (via Deadline), Iger expressed how SAG-AFTRA’s demands, which will likely lead to a strike very soon, are unrealistic and puts those taking part in the strike in the spotlight, believing now is not the time to add disruption as we’re — by and large — still feeling the effects of the pandemic. He pointed to the Directors Guild as an example of how the industry has successfully negotiated good deals in the past.

“I understand any labor organization’s desire to have its members to be compensated fairly based on the work that they deliver. We’ve managed as an industry to negotiate a very good deal with the Directors Guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business. We wanted to do the same thing with the writers and we’d like to do the same thing with the actors. There’s a level of expectation and they are adding to the challenges this business is already facing.”

In terms of TV, though, it may be not part of their core business, but it will seemingly continue to play a part. ESPN, which Disney owns and has set up its own corporate division for, stands tall compared to the rest of the TV landscape. Direct-to-consumer streaming is an option that Iger appears to have faith in over the next few years, though, he didn’t clarify when.

“Are not being very realistic? No, they’re not.”

Iger also lamented that the current landscape of the entertainment industry as a whole has been very daunting since his return to the company seven months ago after a brief stint away.