Disney

Definition

Disney refers to The Walt Disney Company, a global media and entertainment conglomerate known for its film productions, theme parks, and consumer products. It has significantly influenced the landscape of entertainment and media through its extensive ownership of various subsidiaries and franchises, embodying the concept of media concentration as it expands its reach across different platforms and global markets.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Disney acquired Pixar in 2006, which helped to revitalize its animation division and led to a series of successful films that combined innovative storytelling with advanced technology.
2. The acquisition of Marvel Entertainment in 2009 allowed Disney to expand its reach into the superhero genre, leading to the creation of the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe.
3. In 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm, the company behind the Star Wars franchise, further solidifying its dominance in the entertainment industry.
4. Disney's influence extends beyond entertainment; it plays a significant role in shaping popular culture through its characters and storytelling, affecting generations of audiences worldwide.
5. The launch of Disney+ in 2019 marked Disney's entry into the streaming service market, allowing it to compete directly with other major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Review Questions

• How has Disney exemplified media concentration through its acquisitions and expansions?
  • Disney's journey showcases media concentration through strategic acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Each acquisition not only added iconic franchises to Disney's portfolio but also allowed for cross-promotion across various media platforms. This approach demonstrates how a single entity can control significant portions of the entertainment industry, influencing content availability and audience engagement.
• Evaluate the impact of Disney’s global expansion on local cultures and media industries.
  • Disney's global expansion often leads to both positive and negative impacts on local cultures. While it brings new entertainment options and economic benefits through job creation in local markets, it can also overshadow local narratives and traditions. The dominant presence of Disney can shift consumer preferences towards American entertainment, which may challenge local media industries trying to promote indigenous content.
• Critically analyze how Disney’s strategies for content diversification have influenced the overall media landscape.
  • Disney's strategies for content diversification, including branching into various genres and formats through acquisitions and original productions, have significantly transformed the media landscape. By controlling a vast array of intellectual properties, Disney not only dictates trends in film and television but also shapes viewer expectations. This has led to a more homogenized media environment where blockbuster franchises dominate box offices, while smaller independent films struggle for visibility. The implications of such concentration raise questions about creativity, diversity in storytelling, and the future of content consumption.

Related terms

Media Conglomerate: A company that owns multiple media outlets, including television networks, film studios, and publishing companies, allowing for diversified content distribution.

Intellectual Property:

Legal rights that result from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary, and artistic fields; Disney is known for its extensive portfolio of beloved characters and stories.

Merchandising: The practice of promoting and selling products related to a particular brand or intellectual property; Disney capitalizes on its franchises through a vast range of merchandise.