In an unexpected turn of events on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” this morning, Disney’s recently reinstated CEO, Bob Iger, expressed strong criticism against both the writers participating in the ongoing WGA strike and the actors preparing to declare their own. Iger conveyed that the strikers’ demands are unreasonable, especially considering the current societal circumstances.
During the discussion, Iger shed light on the business adversities faced in the post-COVID era, implying that the writers should moderate their expectations regarding their call for fair wages and equal treatment. The CEO implied that the striking writers are intentionally causing harm to the entertainment industry, stating:
“To me, it’s quite unsettling. We’ve debated disruptive elements in our business and the hurdles we’re tackling, the recovery from COVID, which is still in progress, is not fully complete. This is the most inopportune moment to intensify the disruption. I empathize with any labor group’s aspiration to work for its members to gain maximum compensation and fair remuneration based on their delivered value. As an industry, we successfully negotiated a fair agreement with the Directors’ Guild, reflecting the value that directors bring to this illustrious business. We wished to replicate this with the writers, and we aspire to do the same with the actors. Their expectations, however, are simply not feasible. And they are amplifying the existing challenges that our business is facing, which is, quite frankly, very disruptive.”
Image via SAG-AFTRA
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Analyzing Bob Iger’s Remarks
What Iger fails to acknowledge is that the Writers Guild’s strike has been a long time in the making. Writers are voicing objections against norms that have been part of the industry for a substantial period. They argue that the surge in content production has expedited the writing process, resulting in precarious job security for screenwriters and relegating them to gig workers’ status. Moreover, the emerging reality of consuming TV shows and movies through streaming platforms has created ambiguity in residual payment, lacking suitable regulation.
It’s challenging to grasp the basis of Iger’s claim that WGA demands are unattainable. A recent memo sent to streaming platforms and studios from the Writers’ Guild outlined the annual cost of the writers’ proposed changes. For Disney, agreeing to the terms would result in a $75 million per year expenditure, less than half the budget of a film like The Little Mermaid.
Iger didn’t stop there: The CEO warned that the strike “will significantly disrupt the entire industry” and suggested that writers aren’t considering the impacts on other sectors, claiming that “there’s substantial collateral damage in the industry to individuals who provide supportive services.” The comment overlooks the fact that Iger is among those with the power to halt the strike by merely negotiating with the writers. Although Iger expressed regret over the ongoing strike, he never acknowledged the studios’ negligence and avoidance of responsibility that triggered this crisis.
Iger is slated to continue as Disney’s CEO through 2026. He reassumed the role in a surprising move in late 2022 when the then-CEO Bob Chapek was abruptly dismissed without an in-depth explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Disney CEO Strike Criticism
What was Disney CEO Bob Iger’s opinion on the ongoing WGA strike and potential actors’ strike?
Bob Iger criticized both the writers participating in the ongoing WGA strike and the actors preparing to declare their own. He conveyed that their demands were unreasonable, especially considering the current societal circumstances.
What was Iger’s suggestion to writers during his interview on “Squawk Box”?
Iger suggested that writers should moderate their expectations regarding their call for fair wages and equal treatment in the post-COVID era. He implied that striking writers were intentionally causing harm to the entertainment industry.
What are the writers’ primary complaints that led to the WGA strike?
Writers are protesting against industry norms that they believe have eroded job security and relegated them to gig workers’ status. They also express concerns about the lack of clear regulation for the payment of residuals in the age of streaming platforms.
How much would it cost Disney to agree to the Writers’ Guild terms?
According to a memo sent by the Writers’ Guild to streaming platforms and studios, Disney would need to spend $75 million per year to agree to the writers’ proposed changes.
When did Bob Iger return as the CEO of Disney?
Bob Iger reassumed his role as CEO of Disney in a surprising move in late 2022 after then-CEO Bob Chapek was abruptly dismissed without an in-depth explanation. He is slated to continue as Disney’s CEO through 2026.
More about Disney CEO Strike Criticism
- Disney CEO Bob Iger Criticizes WGA & SAG Strike
- Writers Guild Strike
- Bob Iger’s Return as Disney CEO
- The Impact of COVID on the Entertainment Industry
- Understanding Residuals in the Streaming Era
- The Little Mermaid Budget
