ABC is in turmoil.
Tensions are operating excessive at ABC Information as woke staffers are reportedly “freaking out” over rumors that The Walt Disney Co., the mum or dad firm, is in discussions to promote the information outlet.
Bloomberg reported on Thursday, revealing that Disney has been in discussions with Nexstar Media Group and media mogul Byron Allen a few potential sale.
“Media mogul Byron Allen supplied $10 billion, albeit tentatively, for Disney’s flagship broadcast community in addition to the FX and Nationwide Geographic cable channels, based on an individual conversant in his proposal. Individually, Disney has held exploratory talks about ABC and its eight native TV stations with Nexstar Media Group Inc., individuals conversant in these discussions mentioned. All the individuals requested to not be named disclosing data that’s not public,” based on the information outlet.
CNN spoke to a number of sources inside ABC Information, portray an image of a newsroom in turmoil.
“Everyone seems to be freaking out,” an ABC Information staffer instructed CNN, capturing the temper contained in the community. “It’s all anybody at work is speaking about,” added one other. The uncertainty has left many woke staff anxious about their future roles and the editorial route of ABC Information.
In a press release launched Thursday, Disney clarified that whereas they’re “open to exploring varied strategic avenues,” they dismissed claims of promoting the community.
“Whereas we’re open to contemplating a wide range of strategic choices for our linear companies, right now The Walt Disney Firm has made no determination with respect to the divestiture of ABC or another property and any report back to that impact is unfounded,” a spokesperson mentioned.
New York Submit reported:
Bloomberg Information had reported that Nexstar, proprietor of the CW, NewsNation, and a slew of native TV stations, held preliminary talks with the Mouse Home to amass ABC.
The outlet additionally reported that aspiring media mogul and Climate Channel boss Byron Allen was prepared to supply $10 billion for the property.
The chatter of a possible sale hit a fever pitch after CEO Bob Iger revealed this summer that he was “open-minded and objective” about the future of Disney’s “non-core” linear TV assets. They embrace broadcast community ABC in addition to FX, Disney Channel, Nat Geo, and Freeform, amongst others.
On the time, Iger additionally mentioned Disney has had discussions with potential buyers about shopping for a minority stake in sports activities channel ESPN, although he wouldn’t specify.
