▶ 183:23 · $WBD · Traditional media companies becoming serfs to tech streaming giants Netflix and YouTube

episode briefing

Disney Part II: An empire of magic and acquisitions

2026-08-10 · 19 company · 12 thematic

sentiment

8 bull5 bear6 neu

speakers

Co-host of Acquired, a podcast analyzing great companies' histories and playbooks. Leads research on sports business models, media rights, and technology investing. Involved in Acquired's LP program and early-stage investments.

david rosenthal

Co-host of Acquired, focusing on company histories and strategic analysis. Former investment banker with media/tech coverage. Co-leads Acquired's research on NFL, NBA, IPL and sports betting dynamics.

quote

“All of these traditional media companies, with the exception of Disney, have basically all become kind of surfs in the streaming kingdoms of the technology companies of which Netflix and YouTube are actually the winners here.”

—ben gilbert

episode shorts · 8

ESPN Funded the Disney You Love

How Big Was Frozen?

The connection between Ichiro Suzuki and Disney+

Why Steve Jobs Bought Pixar

Disney Paid $4 Billion for Marvel. What Did It Get?

How Pixar Actually Makes a Movie

How Disney Monetized Its Movie Library

Steve Jobs' first $1 billion didn't come from Apple

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