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Inside the 1995 Media Merger That Changed Disney Forever
A longtime ABC exec who worked closely with Bob Iger remembers what happened when Michael Eisner arrived.
The company as it exists now is a massive media conglomerate, an entertainment giant whose (mouse) paws reach into every corner of our cultural life through multiple movie studios, TV networks, and streaming platforms — all in addition to its iconic theme parks. Over the next six weeks, The Disney Dilemma — co-hosted by myself along with staff writer Rebecca Alter, film critic Bilge Ebiri, and senior reporter Chris Lee — will explore the many fiefdoms within the Magic Kingdom, from its vaunted theme parks and animation factory to its stewardship of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises to its attempt to turn itself into a streaming power. Only a little bit of our chat could make it into this first episode, but for anyone interested in the glory days of network TV and how Eisner and Iger played pivotal roles in redefining television, Harbert had some great stories to tell about how both men wielded power and why ABC and its parent company were such important acquisitions back in the 1990s.
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