Trouble with Hugh saying that the path to streaming profitability isn't linear is that streaming isn't growing fast enough to offset linear networks' continued decline, and parks may not be enough to cushion the streaming losses. Time for legacy media companies is running out to make the math work. It's already run out for Paramount (who at this rate is looking to be sold to private equity vultures), Warner Bros. Discovery might be screwed if they lose the NBA, and Comcast could face growing pressure to spin off NBCUni if it becomes too much of a drag on their stock (their stock has yet to return to 2021 levels); worst case scenario Comcast merges NBCUni with WBD and spins the whole thing off into a separate publicly-traded company where the Roberts family still has majority control. Sony's arms dealer strategy could blow up if the number of content buyers dwindles quickly.
As much as Disney is trying to fend off these kinds of fates, the reality is they've - and every other conglomerate - had over a decade to prepare for this moment, and they all dragged their feet. Now the bill's coming due and media investor patience is running out.