Get ready for a media showdown! Disney's CFO, Hugh Johnston, isn't backing down from a fight with YouTube TV. He's made it crystal clear: Disney is prepared to go the distance in their ongoing carriage negotiations.
The statement, delivered on CNBC, came hot on the heels of Disney's fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial report. Johnston's words, "We’re ready to go as long as they want to," signal a firm stance in the face of ongoing talks.
But here's where it gets interesting: Sources suggest negotiations between Disney and YouTube TV (owned by Alphabet, formerly Google) had recently become more productive. This begs the question: What's driving this public display of resolve? Is it a strategic move to gain leverage, or is there more to the story?
The timing of Johnston's comments is intriguing, especially considering the backdrop of industry shifts. Tom Rogers, co-founder of CNBC, recently suggested that traditional media giants like Disney have lost some of their market strength. Johnston countered this, calling it an exaggeration.
And this is the part most people miss... Disney's streaming profits are on the rise, with Disney+ alone adding 3.8 million subscribers. Furthermore, the company plans to invest an additional $1 billion in content in 2026 compared to 2025. This investment underscores Disney's commitment to its streaming services and its ability to negotiate from a position of strength.
The ongoing battle with YouTube TV is sure to be a hot topic during the upcoming conference call with Johnston and Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Controversy alert: Could this public posturing be a sign of a larger shift in the media landscape? Is Disney attempting to redefine the terms of engagement with digital platforms? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
