Disney Announces Layoffs as New CEO Takes Helm

Up to 1,000 jobs on the line as legacy media giant adapts to streaming shift

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:51am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of Disney-branded merchandise, including a Mickey Mouse figurine, a Disney+ streaming device, and a Disney theme park souvenir, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background. The objects are lit with sharp, dramatic studio lighting, creating deep shadows that symbolize the abstract challenges facing Disney's legacy media business.As Disney navigates the shifting media landscape, its iconic brand and merchandise face an uncertain future.Burbank Today

Disney is set to eliminate up to 1,000 jobs under its new CEO Josh D'Amaro, according to reports. This comes just days after ESPN, Disney's sports network, announced around 30 layoffs. Experts say these cuts are part of a broader trend in legacy media as companies struggle to adapt to the rise of streaming and changing consumer habits.

Why it matters

Disney's layoffs reflect the broader challenges facing legacy media companies as they try to pivot to new revenue streams like streaming, theme parks, and cruises. Even iconic brands are not immune to the seismic shifts in the industry, raising questions about the future of traditional media giants.

The details

Disney is reportedly merging its Disney+ and Hulu streaming platforms into a single app, which could explain some of the upcoming layoffs. The company is trying to adapt to the changing media landscape, where streaming is not as profitable as it may seem, especially when competing with giants like Netflix and Amazon. The impact is also being felt at ESPN, Disney's sports network, which has already cut high-profile personalities like Suzy Kolber and Jeff Van Gundy as fewer people subscribe to traditional TV bundles.

  • On April 10, 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that Disney is set to eliminate up to 1,000 jobs under new CEO Josh D'Amaro.
  • Just days prior, reports surfaced that ESPN, Disney's sports network, is cutting around 30 employees.

The players

Josh D'Amaro

The new CEO of Disney who is overseeing the company's layoffs and restructuring efforts.

Suzy Kolber

A high-profile personality who was recently let go from ESPN, Disney's sports network.

Jeff Van Gundy

Another high-profile personality who was recently let go from ESPN, Disney's sports network.

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What’s next

As Disney continues to adapt to the changing media landscape, industry analysts will be closely watching to see how the company's streaming strategy and cost-cutting measures impact its overall business and brand.

The takeaway

Disney's layoffs are a stark reminder that even the most iconic brands are not immune to the seismic shifts in the media industry. As consumer habits change and new technologies disrupt traditional business models, legacy media companies like Disney must be willing to evolve and adapt in order to survive.