Full Breakdown
Disney to Transfer Full Ownership of A+E Global Media to Hearst
7/31/2026, 12:01:55 AM
Core Transaction
Disney is selling its 50 % stake in A+E Global Media to co-owner Hearst Communications. The all-cash deal is estimated to be worth north of $1 billion and is slated to be announced during Disney’s upcoming earnings call. Analyst Rich Greenfield first reported the pending announcement. Following the sale, Hearst CEO Steven R. Schwartz will assume full control, while A+E Global Media President and Chairman Paul Buccieri is expected to remain at the helm.
Background to the Sale
A+E Global Media—a joint venture that includes the cable networks A&E, History, Lifetime, FYI and the production unit A+E Studios—has been a separate entity from Disney’s core assets. The sale process began under former Disney CEO Bob Iger, who in 2023 suggested that linear networks “may not be core” to the company’s strategy. His successor, Josh D’Amaro, completed the transaction, marking Disney’s first major step in trimming its traditional TV footprint. Earlier this year, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston reiterated on an earnings call that the company does not intend to spin off or sell its remaining linear TV properties.
Deal Details and Financial Profile
A+E Global Media remains profitable and carries no debt, a status attributed largely to Buccieri’s early adoption of the FAST (Free-Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channel model, which bolstered the company’s library assets. The venture also holds stakes in Propagate, Range Media Partners and Vice Media. A+E Studios, part of the joint venture, produces series such as Netflix’s *The Lincoln Lawyer*.
Official Reactions
Disney’s leadership framed the sale as a strategic move to focus on growth areas, while Hearst’s acquisition reflects its confidence in the venture’s cash-generating potential. Industry observers note that the divestiture aligns with broader declines in linear viewership across the cable ecosystem.
Potential Implications
By exiting the A+E partnership, Disney further reduces its exposure to traditional cable revenue streams, potentially accelerating discussions about the future of its remaining linear assets—including ABC, ESPN, National Geographic, FX and Freeform. The transaction also underscores a shift toward digital-first content distribution models within the broader media landscape.
