Opinion on Disney's Dominance in the Entertainment Industry
Disney is often seen as a juggernaut in the entertainment industry, but is it truly dominating? This article will explore various opinions on the matter, from those who believe Disney's control is a concern to those who view it as a progressive force in the industry.
Disney's Influence: Fact or Fantasy
Many people mistakenly assume that Disney has taken over the entertainment industry. However, there are controls in place to prevent such a monopoly from forming. For instance, Disney was once not allowed to own television stations that cover more than a certain percentage of urban populations. This was a key reason why Disney had to sell control of KCAL, a local Los Angeles station, when completing its merger with ABC in 1996. These regulations ensure a balance in the market and prevent a single entity from gaining too much control.
A Personal Perspective: Stockholder and Former Employee
As a stockholder and former employee of Disney, the company's growth and shift from a real estate company to a major player in the entertainment industry is both exciting and fulfilling. My journey with Disney began when I helped build the Main Street Electrical Parade, a testament to Disney's innovative spirit. Initially, Disney was not considered a major studio, often compared to Miramax. The transformation of Disney from a theme park company to a giant in movies, television, and video games has been remarkable.
Disney CEO Ron Miller once said, 'We are a real estate company,' indicating that the company's roots were more in physical properties than content production. However, Disney has now become a major force, known for its theme parks, films, and TV shows. The company's dominance in the field of theme parks is well-recognized, with significant competition from other major players like Universal Studios and Six Flags.
Progressive Corporate Social Responsibility
Despite its dominance, many find Disney's progressive stance on social issues commendable. As an old leftie, I may have reservations about corporate dominance, but Disney's record on promoting women's rights and racial and gender equality is impressive. This level of social consciousness is something not all entertainment giants can claim.
However, Disney's influence is not all-encompassing. While they have significant influence in the theme park, movies, and television industries, other sectors like video games, social media, and music remain largely outside their control. Netflix, WarnerMedia, ViacomCBS, and Comcast's NBCUniversal are strong competitors in the film and television space. In theme parks, Disney has a formidable presence but faces significant competition from other major players.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Disney has a rightful place in the entertainment industry as long as they continue to provide high-quality content. The company's growth and impact on the industry are both a marvel and a testament to its innovative spirit. While other more crucial industries may require more attention, the entertainment sector benefits from a company as synonymous with quality and joy as Disney.