Disney Downplays a la Carte Plans as ESPN Preps OTT Services

Walt Disney chief Bob Iger likes experimenting with digital platforms, yet while ESPN -- one of Disney’s biggest moneymakers -- is getting ready to launch over-the-top services to stream more sports programming, don’t expect the move to lead to Disney backing a la carte options for its cable channels anytime soon. “We’re well-positioned to go direct to the consumer if the marketplace demands it, but we don’t feel a need to do that now,” Iger said. In fact, Iger has no interest in breaking up the bundles of channels it currently offers through cable and satellite services.