During an earnings call this week, Bob Iger addressed the ongoing Hollywood strikes. In short, Iger would like to see a quick resolution that he personally is committed to working toward that end.
“Nothing is more important to this company than its relationships with the creative community. That includes actors, writers, animators, directors and producers,” Iger said. “I have deep respect and appreciation for all those who are vital to the extraordinary creative engine that drives this company and our industry. And it is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months. And I am personally committed to working to achieve this result.”
This diplomatic statement comes after a more blunt assessment of the situation by Iger during an interview last month. “There’s a level of expectation that they have that is just not realistic, and they are adding to a set of challenges that this business is already facing, that is quite frankly, very disruptive,” Iger said on CNBC as the strikes began.
Throughout his career, Iger has had a long track record of being talent friendly and media saavy. He also has the reputation of being a diplomat and a deal maker. However, Iger also is in the process of remaking Disney in a new image after coming back as its CEO late last year. Since then, Iger has restructured the company and has been working to turn its Direct to Consumer businesses profitable while also figuring out how to handle a diminishing linear television business. Iger also is doing this with a new team after many of his long-time executives retired when he initially retired from The Walt Disney Company.
How the strikes will play out remains to be seen. Currently there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. However, Iger’s committment to personally being a part of the process and solution could be one step closer to coming up with a solution that works for both sides.
