Ep. 77: What the Disney-Fox Merger Means for Audiences and the Industry
Last week, Disney and Fox shareholders approved a deal that would see Disney acquire 21st Century Fox for a whopping $71.3 billion. The deal - which includes properties like Fox Searchlight, X-Men, Avatar, The Simpsons, and many more - gives Disney an unprecedented market share in the film and television industry. To find out how this acquisition will impact audience members, as well as the industry at large, Rob and Geoff speak with Kayleigh Donaldson, staff writer and editor for Pajiba. Donaldson explains why the deal will likely lead to fewer theatrical films, the uncertain fate of Fox Searchlight, and how other Hollywood studios might react to this merger. She also talks about how the deal has disrupted the streaming landscape, possible crossover opportunities, and why the merger could be a threat to independent cinemas.