Disney on Wednesday reported a loss for the most recent quarter, with the number of subscribers to its streaming service shrinking again, but a pledge to crack down on password sharing sent shares higher in after-market trades.

The falling Disney+ subscriber numbers -- for the third consecutive quarter -- came as a crippling writers and actors strike hits the US entertainment industry, threatening the company's ability to produce content key to the streaming service's appeal.

"It is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months," chief executive Bob Iger, whose contract has been extended through 2026, said of negotiations with striking actors and writers.

"I am personally committed to working to achieve this result."

Hollywood television and movie writers went on their first strike in 15 years in May, only to be joined in mid-July by actors.

The last time Hollywood writers laid down their pens and keyboards, in 2007, the strike lasted 100 days and cost Los Angeles's entertainment economy around $2 billion.

This time, the two sides are clashing as writers demand higher pay, minimum guarantees of stable employment and a greater share of profits from the boom in streaming, while studios say they must cut costs due to economic pressures.

The current double whammy of actors and writers is the first since the 1960s.

At issue for both labor groups in the age of streaming is better pay and residuals, and the role of artificial intelligence, which they fear the studios would like to use to replace them.

As things stand, neither the unions nor the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the body that represents the studios, seems prepared to give ground.

- Password sharing a 'priority' -

Disney+ finished the quarter with 146.1 million subscribers, compared with just shy of 158 million in the first three months of this year, the group said.

All but a sliver of the loss in Disney+ subscribers took place in India, where the entertainment titan early this year lost rights to stream popular Premier League cricket matches.

Rival Netflix recently reported that its subscriptions climbed by nearly six million in the wake of its crackdown on password sharing.

Iger told financial analysts that Disney+ password sharing is "significant" and that the company plans to start tackling the situation.

"We already have the technical capability to monitor much of this," Iger said.

"We're going to get at this issue; we certainly have established this as a real priority."

Disney announced it will raise its streaming service subscription price in the United States to $14 monthly starting October 12, an increase of $3.

The company also expanded availability of an ad-supported Disney+ tier to Canada and parts of Europe.

Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lumley believes Disney+ has "a long road ahead" to becoming profitable.

"Our experts expect that 2025 is a more realistic timeline to achieve profitability than next year," Lumley said.

"Especially considering factors like the dual strike in Hollywood and relatively weak reception of Disney's content by audiences."

Disney shares were up more than 2 percent to $90 in after-market trades despite the drop in streaming service subscriber numbers and a posted loss of $460 million in the quarter.

The unusual quarterly loss for the company was due to charges related to ending licensing agreements and yanking content from its streaming platforms.

Disney reported that its theme parks and cruise business continued to rebound from the pandemic, even while its traditional television offerings face a trend of ad dollars shifting to online viewing alternatives.

Iger said in the earnings call that streaming, film studios and theme parks will drive its growth in the coming five years.

"On the traditional TV side, losses continue to mount as CEO Bob Iger looks to offload what he now considers non-core assets, including the ABC Network," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Paul Verna.

"These adverse trends are compounded by economic uncertainty, a soft ad market, increased competition in streaming media, labor disputes with screenwriters and actors, and lackluster box office numbers for Disney's films."

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Disney on Wednesday reported a loss for the most recent quarter, with the number of subscribers to its streaming service shrinking again, but a pledge to crack down on password sharing sent shares higher in after-market trades.

Disney on Wednesday reported a loss for the most recent quarter, with the number of subscribers to its streaming service shrinking again, but a pledge to crack down on password sharing sent shares higher in after-market trades. The falling Disney+ subscriber numbers -- for the third consecutive quarter -- came as a crippling writers and actors strike hits the US entertainment industry, threatening the company's ability to produce content key to the streaming service's appeal. "It is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months," chief executive Bob Iger, whose contract has been extended through 2026, said of negotiations with striking actors and writers. "I am personally committed to working to achieve this result." Hollywood television and movie writers went on their first strike in 15 years in May, only to be joined in mid-July by actors. The last time Hollywood writers laid down their pens and keyboards, in 2007, the strike lasted 100 days and cost Los Angeles's entertainment economy around $2 billion. This time, the two sides are clashing as writers demand higher pay, minimum guarantees of stable employment and a greater share of profits from the boom in streaming, while studios say they must cut costs due to economic pressures. The current double whammy of actors and writers is the first since the 1960s. At issue for both labor groups in the age of streaming is better pay and residuals, and the role of artificial intelligence, which they fear the studios would like to use to replace them. As things stand, neither the unions nor the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the body that represents the studios, seems prepared to give ground. - Password sharing a 'priority' - Disney+ finished the quarter with 146.1 million subscribers, compared with just shy of 158 million in the first three months of this year, the group said. All but a sliver of the loss in Disney+ subscribers took place in India, where the entertainment titan early this year lost rights to stream popular Premier League cricket matches. Rival Netflix recently reported that its subscriptions climbed by nearly six million in the wake of its crackdown on password sharing. Iger told financial analysts that Disney+ password sharing is "significant" and that the company plans to start tackling the situation. "We already have the technical capability to monitor much of this," Iger said. "We're going to get at this issue; we certainly have established this as a real priority." Disney announced it will raise its streaming service subscription price in the United States to $14 monthly starting October 12, an increase of $3. The company also expanded availability of an ad-supported Disney+ tier to Canada and parts of Europe. Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lumley believes Disney+ has "a long road ahead" to becoming profitable. "Our experts expect that 2025 is a more realistic timeline to achieve profitability than next year," Lumley said. "Especially considering factors like the dual strike in Hollywood and relatively weak reception of Disney's content by audiences." Disney shares were up more than 2 percent to $90 in after-market trades despite the drop in streaming service subscriber numbers and a posted loss of $460 million in the quarter. The unusual quarterly loss for the company was due to charges related to ending licensing agreements and yanking content from its streaming platforms. Disney reported that its theme parks and cruise business continued to rebound from the pandemic, even while its traditional television offerings face a trend of ad dollars shifting to online viewing alternatives. Iger said in the earnings call that streaming, film studios and theme parks will drive its growth in the coming five years. "On the traditional TV side, losses continue to mount as CEO Bob Iger looks to offload what he now considers non-core assets, including the ABC Network," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Paul Verna. "These adverse trends are compounded by economic uncertainty, a soft ad market, increased competition in streaming media, labor disputes with screenwriters and actors, and lackluster box office numbers for Disney's films." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Disney streaming service sees subscribers fall again

The next Star Wars&nbsp;series, an animated show about an elite group of clones called 'The Bad Batch', will debut on the Disney+ streaming service on May 4, the company said on Wednesday. 
 
Marvel Studios live-action series 'Loki',&nbsp;about the villain played by Tom Hiddleston, will premiere on June 11, Disney said in a statement ahead of a presentation of upcoming programming to the Television Critics Association. 
 
'The Bad Batch'&nbsp;will follow the experimental clones in a rapidly changing galaxy following the end of the Clone War. The company is adding several high-profile series from its Star Wars and Marvel franchises to help attract viewers to Disney+, which launched in November 2019. 
 
As of Jan. 2, Disney+ had 94.9 million subscribers, helped by the popularity of the Star Wars&nbsp;series 'The Mandalorian'.

The next Star Wars series, an animated show about an elite group of clones called 'The Bad Batch', will debut on the Disney+ streaming service on May 4, the company said on Wednesday.

The next Star Wars series, an animated show about an elite group of clones called 'The Bad Batch', will debut on the Disney+ streaming service on May 4, the company said on Wednesday. Marvel Studios live-action series 'Loki', about the villain played by Tom Hiddleston, will premiere on June 11, Disney said in a statement ahead of a presentation of upcoming programming to the Television Critics Association. 'The Bad Batch' will follow the experimental clones in a rapidly changing galaxy following the end of the Clone War. The company is adding several high-profile series from its Star Wars and Marvel franchises to help attract viewers to Disney+, which launched in November 2019. As of Jan. 2, Disney+ had 94.9 million subscribers, helped by the popularity of the Star Wars series 'The Mandalorian'.

Next 'Star Wars' series to hit Disney streaming service in May

In an exciting news update for all those who are obsessed with Disney content, their streaming platform, Disney+ is finally coming to India.

The streaming platform launched in the US in November last year and will now make its foray into the Indian market on March 29, 2020. It will enter Indian market through its Hotstar app.

The announcement was made by Disney CEO Robert Iger during the company's quarterly earnings call. He said, "We're excited to announce that we will be launching Disney Plus in India through our Hotstar service on March 29 at the beginning of the Indian Premier League cricket season. "We see this as a great opportunity to use the proven platform of Hotstar to launch the new Disney Plus service in one of the most populous countries and fastest-growing economies in the world.”

The company has plans of rebranding the Hotstar app to Disney Plus Hotstar.

Disney had acquired Hotstar streaming service in 2017 as part of its acquisition of Fox Studios, which also included the entire Star India group. As of now, most of the premium Disney content is available on the app.&nbsp;

In an exciting news update for all those who are obsessed with Disney content, their streaming platform, Disney+ is finally coming to India. The streaming platform launched in the US in November last year and will now make its foray into the Indian market on March 29, 2020.

In an exciting news update for all those who are obsessed with Disney content, their streaming platform, Disney+ is finally coming to India. The streaming platform launched in the US in November last year and will now make its foray into the Indian market on March 29, 2020. It will enter Indian market through its Hotstar app. The announcement was made by Disney CEO Robert Iger during the company's quarterly earnings call. He said, "We're excited to announce that we will be launching Disney Plus in India through our Hotstar service on March 29 at the beginning of the Indian Premier League cricket season. "We see this as a great opportunity to use the proven platform of Hotstar to launch the new Disney Plus service in one of the most populous countries and fastest-growing economies in the world.” The company has plans of rebranding the Hotstar app to Disney Plus Hotstar. Disney had acquired Hotstar streaming service in 2017 as part of its acquisition of Fox Studios, which also included the entire Star India group. As of now, most of the premium Disney content is available on the app.

Disney+ to launch in India on March 29

Walt Disney Co. on Thursday reported better-than-expected quarterly results, fueled by the release of blockbuster films "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" as it prepared for its new streaming television service.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disney-thaws-frozen-for-blockbuster-sequel-100m-plus-opening-expected-260487">Disney </a>profit in the recently ended quarter was $1.05 billion, down from $2.3 billion a year ago, on revenue that grew 34 per cent to $19.1 billion.

The slump in profits came as Disney absorbed key film and television operations of 21st Century Fox and geared up for its launch of the streaming service Disney+ that aims to compete globally against Netflix and others.

"We've spent the last few years completely transforming The Walt Disney Company to focus the resources and immense creativity across the entire company on delivering an extraordinary direct-to-consumer experience," said Disney chief executive Robert Iger.

"We're excited for the launch of Disney+ on November 12."

Iger said the company reached a deal for the service to be on Amazon's Fire TV platform, the latest distribution agreement for Disney+.

Disney shares were up more than five percent in after-market trading following release of the earnings figures.

Revenues in the past quarter were boosted by a 52 percent rise in Disney's studio operations with box office hits "The Lion King," "Toy Story 4" and "Aladdin" fueling gains.

The entertainment giant expects revenue in the current quarter to be boosted by the forthcoming release of a sequel to "Frozen" and the final installment of the "Star Wars" film saga.

It will thereafter take a "hiatus" from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/disney-unveils-star-wars-merchandise-at-britains-pinewood-studios-252305">"Star Wars" </a>box office films but has an array of spin-off shows planned exclusively for its streaming service.

Disney has become the biggest Hollywood player with the acquisition of studio and TV assets from Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox.

However, integrating Fox into Disney has cost more than expected and the newly added studios have brought in less money than hoped.

Disney saw smaller revenue gains in its cable and broadcasting operations as well as its theme park division.

Iger would not disclose details of pre-sales of Disney+ subscriptions, but said the price -- $6.99 monthly -- has met with "great enthusiasm" by consumers.

The Disney+ online streaming service will debut in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands before gradually expanding internationally in Europe then rolling out worldwide.

Its films and TV shows will be available, along with the library it acquired from 21st Century Fox. That includes the "Star Wars" and Marvel superhero franchises and ABC television content.

Disney+ will also combine offerings from powerhouse brands including Pixar, with content from Hulu and sports network ESPN.

Apple last week launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/appletv-debuts-streaming-tv-service-with-oprah-and-aniston-259285">streaming television service</a> that features a budding library of original shows starring big-name celebrities, aimed at winning over its gadget lovers at home and on the go.

The Apple TV+ on-demand streaming service launched in more than 100 countries at $4.99 per month.

Original Apple TV+ shows have so far been met with lukewarm early reviews, but the low subscription price and an offer of year-long memberships free with purchase of the company's devices was expected to encourage viewers to tune in.

Netflix, meanwhile, has budgeted $15 billion this year for original shows, on top of the billions it has devoted to exclusive productions in recent years.

Amazon, which has deep pockets thanks to its e-commerce and cloud services, has also poured cash into original shows for its Prime Video service.

This sets up a potential spending war among the major streaming players, according to analysts.

Even more competition looms on the horizon, with AT&amp;T's Warner Media to launch its "HBO Max" in early 2020 after reclaiming the rights from Netflix to stream its popular television comedy "Friends."

NBCUniversal's Peacock service is also launching next year.

Walt Disney Co. on Thursday reported better-than-expected quarterly results, fueled by the release of blockbuster films "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" as it prepared for its new streaming television service.

Walt Disney Co. on Thursday reported better-than-expected quarterly results, fueled by the release of blockbuster films "Aladdin" and "The Lion King" as it prepared for its new streaming television service. Disney profit in the recently ended quarter was $1.05 billion, down from $2.3 billion a year ago, on revenue that grew 34 per cent to $19.1 billion. The slump in profits came as Disney absorbed key film and television operations of 21st Century Fox and geared up for its launch of the streaming service Disney+ that aims to compete globally against Netflix and others. "We've spent the last few years completely transforming The Walt Disney Company to focus the resources and immense creativity across the entire company on delivering an extraordinary direct-to-consumer experience," said Disney chief executive Robert Iger. "We're excited for the launch of Disney+ on November 12." Iger said the company reached a deal for the service to be on Amazon's Fire TV platform, the latest distribution agreement for Disney+. Disney shares were up more than five percent in after-market trading following release of the earnings figures. Revenues in the past quarter were boosted by a 52 percent rise in Disney's studio operations with box office hits "The Lion King," "Toy Story 4" and "Aladdin" fueling gains. The entertainment giant expects revenue in the current quarter to be boosted by the forthcoming release of a sequel to "Frozen" and the final installment of the "Star Wars" film saga. It will thereafter take a "hiatus" from "Star Wars" box office films but has an array of spin-off shows planned exclusively for its streaming service. Disney has become the biggest Hollywood player with the acquisition of studio and TV assets from Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox. However, integrating Fox into Disney has cost more than expected and the newly added studios have brought in less money than hoped. Disney saw smaller revenue gains in its cable and broadcasting operations as well as its theme park division. Iger would not disclose details of pre-sales of Disney+ subscriptions, but said the price -- $6.99 monthly -- has met with "great enthusiasm" by consumers. The Disney+ online streaming service will debut in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands before gradually expanding internationally in Europe then rolling out worldwide. Its films and TV shows will be available, along with the library it acquired from 21st Century Fox. That includes the "Star Wars" and Marvel superhero franchises and ABC television content. Disney+ will also combine offerings from powerhouse brands including Pixar, with content from Hulu and sports network ESPN. Apple last week launched a streaming television service that features a budding library of original shows starring big-name celebrities, aimed at winning over its gadget lovers at home and on the go. The Apple TV+ on-demand streaming service launched in more than 100 countries at $4.99 per month. Original Apple TV+ shows have so far been met with lukewarm early reviews, but the low subscription price and an offer of year-long memberships free with purchase of the company's devices was expected to encourage viewers to tune in. Netflix, meanwhile, has budgeted $15 billion this year for original shows, on top of the billions it has devoted to exclusive productions in recent years. Amazon, which has deep pockets thanks to its e-commerce and cloud services, has also poured cash into original shows for its Prime Video service. This sets up a potential spending war among the major streaming players, according to analysts. Even more competition looms on the horizon, with AT&T's Warner Media to launch its "HBO Max" in early 2020 after reclaiming the rights from Netflix to stream its popular television comedy "Friends." NBCUniversal's Peacock service is also launching next year.

Disney tops earnings estimates ahead of streaming launch

Disney's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ahead-of-disneys-streaming-platform-launch-netflix-drops-marvels-daredevil-180413">video streaming service </a>will launch in the US in November, spotlighting its blockbuster-making studios as it takes on powerhouse Netflix.

Disney said that after launching in the US on November 12 at a starting price of $6.99 monthly, Disney+ will gradually expand internationally with a start in Europe.

Disney's service will offer its films and TV shows, along with the library it acquired from Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox. That includes the "Star Wars" and Marvel superhero franchises and ABC television content.

Details about Disney+ were shared by executives at an annual investor day, where chief executive Bob Iger said the streaming service would combine strengths of Disney and the assets acquired from Fox.

"The Disney+ platform is being built on that foundation; one that no other content or technology company can rival," Iger said.

"We knew the best approach to the market was to create great content and distribute it in innovative ways. It is that simple."

Disney+ will combine offerings from powerhouse brands including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars with content from Hulu and sports network ESPN.

Disney stressed plans to use its coveted content, and original creations to come, to differentiate itself in the increasingly competitive streaming television market.

"I strongly believe Disney will not become a threat to Netflix whatsoever," said an analyst and Transpire Ventures partner John Meyer.

"Netflix now knows what people want more than anybody."

Some of the biggest names in media and tech world are gearing up to move into streaming, in what could be a major challenge to market leader Netflix.

With Hollywood stars galore, Apple last month unveiled its streaming video plans along with news and game subscription offerings as part of an effort to shift its focus to digital content and services to break free of its reliance on iPhone sales.

The Apple TV+ service, an on-demand, ad-free subscription service, will launch this year in 100 countries, the company said.

"We believe deeply in the power of creativity," Apple chief executive Tim Cook said.

"Great stories can change the world. We feel we can contribute something important to our culture and to our society through great storytelling."

This year is expected to see the launch of a streaming television service from WarnerMedia, the newly acquired media-entertainment division of AT&amp;T.

The new entrants, with more expected, could launch a formidable challenge to Netflix, which has some 140 million paid subscribers in 190 markets, and to other services such as Amazon and Hulu.

Netflix is likely to feel pain, not only from the new rivals, but also from the loss of content from the big libraries of Disney and Time Warner.

Disney's video streaming service will launch in the US in November, spotlighting its blockbuster-making studios as it takes on powerhouse Netflix. Disney said that after launching in the US on November 12 at a starting price of $6.

Disney's video streaming service will launch in the US in November, spotlighting its blockbuster-making studios as it takes on powerhouse Netflix. Disney said that after launching in the US on November 12 at a starting price of $6.99 monthly, Disney+ will gradually expand internationally with a start in Europe. Disney's service will offer its films and TV shows, along with the library it acquired from Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox. That includes the "Star Wars" and Marvel superhero franchises and ABC television content. Details about Disney+ were shared by executives at an annual investor day, where chief executive Bob Iger said the streaming service would combine strengths of Disney and the assets acquired from Fox. "The Disney+ platform is being built on that foundation; one that no other content or technology company can rival," Iger said. "We knew the best approach to the market was to create great content and distribute it in innovative ways. It is that simple." Disney+ will combine offerings from powerhouse brands including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars with content from Hulu and sports network ESPN. Disney stressed plans to use its coveted content, and original creations to come, to differentiate itself in the increasingly competitive streaming television market. "I strongly believe Disney will not become a threat to Netflix whatsoever," said an analyst and Transpire Ventures partner John Meyer. "Netflix now knows what people want more than anybody." Some of the biggest names in media and tech world are gearing up to move into streaming, in what could be a major challenge to market leader Netflix. With Hollywood stars galore, Apple last month unveiled its streaming video plans along with news and game subscription offerings as part of an effort to shift its focus to digital content and services to break free of its reliance on iPhone sales. The Apple TV+ service, an on-demand, ad-free subscription service, will launch this year in 100 countries, the company said. "We believe deeply in the power of creativity," Apple chief executive Tim Cook said. "Great stories can change the world. We feel we can contribute something important to our culture and to our society through great storytelling." This year is expected to see the launch of a streaming television service from WarnerMedia, the newly acquired media-entertainment division of AT&T. The new entrants, with more expected, could launch a formidable challenge to Netflix, which has some 140 million paid subscribers in 190 markets, and to other services such as Amazon and Hulu. Netflix is likely to feel pain, not only from the new rivals, but also from the loss of content from the big libraries of Disney and Time Warner.