Disney CEO, asked if company is 'too woke,' says it will cater to audience
Reuters
Published Oct 26, 2022 03:03PM ET
Updated Oct 26, 2022 03:43PM ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Walt Disney Co Chief Executive Bob Chapek, asked to address criticism the company had become "too woke," said on Wednesday that its programming will cater to the audience and reflect the "rich, diverse" world of viewers.
"The world is a rich, diverse place, and we want our content to reflect that," Chapek said at the Wall Street Journal Tech Live conference.
Disney's clash with Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis this spring over the state's Parental Rights in Education measure, which critics dubbed "the don't say gay" bill, made it a political lightning rod and resulted in the state revoking the company's special status that allowed it to essentially self-govern its 25,000-acre (10,120-hectare) Walt Disney World complex.
The company's initial reluctance to step into the political debate also drew criticism from Disney's own staff, who expressed frustration with Chapek's handling of the issue.
Asked what lesson he had learned from the imbroglio, Chapek said it reinforced his understanding of Disney's cast being at the heart of everything the company does.
"We were reminded, through the passion of our cast reaction, how important their sentiments are on these issues in terms of making them feel that they were part of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)," Chapek said.
When pressed about being the focus of personal attacks, Chapek said he shrugged it off.
"My own personal feelings aren't really important," Chapek said. "What's important is how people think about our company."
Get The News You Want
Written By: Reuters
Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.