National Geographic is in trouble.

[FettFan]

Just laid off their last full time writing staff; turning to freelancers now.

The magazine will cut its publishing next year, so if you want a monthly copy, you’ll have to subscribe, as it won’t be at newsstands or supermarkets anymore.

The National Review article below blames the internet and push by consumers for free media (YouTube, websites without paywalls, etc.), but I can’t help but wonder how much TWDC’s controlling stake plays in it.

The Virtual End of National Geographic Magazine | National Review

The news that National Geographic has laid off its remaining staff writers shows how we’ve largely stopped paying for news or entertainment.

www.nationalreview.com

 

[Magic Crush Drop]

I mean Disney has a high controlling stake in the mag. Maybe they need more fluff writers to write about how the Magic Kingdom cupcake is sooo good and represents commonality in our world.

 

[disneylandtour]

It seems so clear that Nat Geo and ESPN have very little connection with the core identity to Disney.

 

[Indy_UK]

Apparently FX and National Geographic are going to be up for grabs along with abc if Disney decide to sell.

Firstly I think that’s a shame as National Geographic produces some amazing stuff.

Also, when selling all of this off, why the hell did they buy Fox. Xmen, Avatar and the Simpsons were not worth $50+ billion

 

[Disney Irish]

Apparently FX and National Geographic are going to be up for grabs along with abc if Disney decide to sell.

Firstly I think that’s a shame as National Geographic produces some amazing stuff.

Also, when selling all of this off, why the hell did they buy Fox. Xmen, Avatar and the Simpsons were not worth $50+ billion

Disney bought 21st Century for many reasons all of which were meant to help bolster DTC for the long term, the top reasons were -

1. Its extensive catalog of IP.
2. Controlling stake in Hulu with the option to buy the rest in 5 years (which is happening starting at the end of the month).
3. Hotstar.

As for selling assets, note if it happens its all the legacy linear broadcast networks that are being discussed. The future of the company is to move away from the dying linear television to focus on DTC.

 

[J4546]

I wish NG would get some park love. having NG sponsor Soarin for example would be great if they made new 7-8 min flyover videos for each of the countries they have pavilions for on rotation

 

[networkpro]

I wish NG would get some park love. having NG sponsor Soarin for example would be great if they made new 7-8 min flyover videos for each of the countries they have pavilions for on rotation

 

[networkpro]

Sponsor presumes that there are funds to cover the costs.

 

[J4546]

Sponsor presumes that there are funds to cover the costs.

well disney owns ng im just saying use the NG naming and bring new flyovers to soarin and make it a better ride overall while also giving NG a footpront in the parks