Tuesday, February 14, 2017

"PewDiePie Exit Brings Disney’s Struggles With Maker Studios to the Fore"

WSJ:
Walt Disney Co.’s decision to cut ties with YouTube megastar PewDiePie has heightened the urgency within the entertainment company to figure out what it should do with digital video network Maker Studios three years after the media giant acquired it for more than $500 million.

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New efforts are under way for Maker talent to produce content on digital platforms and television tied to existing Disney brands. Already, Maker has done a number of “unboxing” videos in which its personalities promote toys and other products tied to Disney franchises like “Star Wars.”

Disney acquired Maker at a time when so-called “multichannel networks” were popular and were seen as a way of reaching young audiences who were abandoning traditional television.