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Friday, August 30, 2019

Disney and Other Businesses Could Do More Than Just Wage a Silly War on Plastics

by Ray Keating
Commentary
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 30, 2019

Since the modern environmental movement began in the late 1960s and 1970s, it’s been known for fads, feelings, and a rather bizarre faith in politics over economics and scientific facts. The latest example is the movement’s war on plastic – which, oddly, has been joined by assorted businesses, including the Walt Disney Company.


What’s changed in more recent times is the increasing number of people – and again, businesses – willing to go along with the movement’s talking points and jettison assorted facts. Why? Well, part of the answer lies with indoctrination by the environmental movement spreading across much of our educational system. In addition, standing up against plastic, for example, has become a form of virtue signaling.

If we’re talking virtue signaling, acting ignorantly, and pandering to a voting bloc, then politicians are going to be on board, and that’s the case in the places like the European Union, Canada, New York, Seattle and California, where single-use plastic bans have been imposed or are being considered.

Disney, again, is waging war on plastics in the name of protecting the environment. On July 28, 2008, Mark Penning, vice president for Animals, Science and Environment at the Disney Parks, wrote on the Disney Parks Blog: “By mid-2019, The Walt Disney Company will eliminate single-use plastic straws and plastic stirrers at all owned and operated locations across the globe, amounting to a reduction of more than 175 million straws and 13 million stirrers annually.” 

And in April of this year, USA Today reported: “Effective Thursday – four days before Earth Day – Disneyland Paris is banning plastic straws and will now offer only a biodegradable paper version at guests' request... The rest of Disney Parks have started to introduce paper straws as an alternative and will fully follow suit within the next few months.”

Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski was quoted: “The protection of our environment is not only deeply rooted in our brand DNA, but it is also a lasting commitment of our company as we aim to reduce our environmental impact – a critical part of our strategic vision for the years to come.”

And Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products, has been quoted, “Eliminating plastic straws and other plastic items are meaningful steps in our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The current anti-plastic fad or craze – not just against straws but also taking on plastic bags (another target for reduction by Disney, by the way) – springs from talking points that the United States is causing a buildup of plastic pollution in our oceans. 

Hmmm, call me crazy, but it might be worthwhile poking around and asking: Is that true?

In reality, ocean pollution has little to do with the United States. Instead, as the World Economic Forum reported:

     But where does all this plastic waste come from? 
     Most of it is washed into the ocean by rivers. And 90% of it comes from just 10 of them, according to a study. 
     By analyzing the waste found in the rivers and surrounding landscape, researchers were able to estimate that just 10 river systems carry 90% of the plastic that ends up in the ocean.
     Eight of them are in Asia: the Yangtze; Indus; Yellow; Hai He; Ganges; Pearl; Amur; Mekong; and two in Africa – the Nile and the Niger.

According to a Forbes report, five nations – China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – dump “more plastic into oceans than the rest of the world combined.”

Well, that wasn’t too hard to figure out, was it?

So, ocean pollution is about poor waste disposal and treatment. If you have proper waste disposal systems, then plastics pollution of the oceans really isn’t an issue – such as is the case here in the United States.

Of course, there are ways that companies can have a real impact on the problem. Businesses and entrepreneurs thrive when they identify problems or opportunities, and then work to solve those problems or capitalize on opportunities. Poor waste disposal in a handful of countries is a business opportunity to improve the environment and earn profits.

If companies like Disney really want to make a difference, stop the virtue signaling and pandering to the environmental movement, and instead, build waste treatment systems in places that desperately need them.

I’m reminded of Walt Disney saying, “But if we can bring together the technical know–how of American industry and the creative imagination of the Disney organization—I’m confident we can create right here in Disney World a showcase to the world of the American free enterprise system.” While Walt was talking about a theme park, the principle remains the same for any business and all industries – including waste disposal.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, and other books, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

5) Pre-order my next book – FREE TRADE ROCKS! 10 POINTS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW – at Amazon.com for the Kindle, or signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/freetrade.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Is the TSA Really Banning Coca-Cola “Thermal Detonator” Souvenirs?

by Ray Keating
News/Analysis
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 29, 2019

Is all of this talk about the TSA banning Coca-Cola “thermal detonator” bottles – from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World – in airline carry-on and checked baggage just some kind of nefarious plot by the Galactic Empire or the First Order? More realistically, is it true or just bad reporting?


The story was first run by the Orange County Register, and has been picked up by others. But the idea that the TSA actually is actually banning these souvenirs seems, at best, a stretch.

Consider, for example, what the Orlando Sentinel reported on August 28:

       When contacted Wednesday, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, which handles security at airports, would not definitely say whether the soda cans are banned from carry-on or checked bags.
       “TSA continues to review this issue,” said Thomas Kelly Jr. in a statement. "Officers will maintain the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint if they believe it poses a security threat.”

Chris Lucas, author of Top Disney (see DisneyBizJournal’s review of Top Disney) and an expert on many things Disney, isn’t buying into the TSA ban story, and he makes a strong case. He told me:

“All [the TSA] said in their official statement was that they are, of course, always cautious when it comes to something that looks like an explosive device, but it’s left up to the individual agents at airports to determine whether these bottles are a threat. That’s why 99% of them have gotten through, even in carry-on bags... TSA gate agents with common sense recognize that they are just harmless souvenir Coca-Cola bottles with a paper wrapper and plastic cap that makes them look like a movie prop. These same exact bottles, decorated as Christmas ornaments or baseballs, have been allowed on board planes in the past with no problems. As long as they are empty of liquid, they are deemed safe to travel. The media is blowing a non-story out of proportion.”

Lucas is always a rational voice, and his points here appear to be spot-on correct. 

(By the way, check out DisneyBizJournal’s report when these cool beverage containers were announced.)

What’s perhaps most striking is how many “news” outlets simply jump on a story by another outlet, and do little additional investigating or reporting to assess the story’s accuracy. I wrote a weekly column for newspapers for some 20 years, and while there always have been problems, the news business has suffered a decline in quality reporting in recent times.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, and other books, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

5) Pre-order my next book – FREE TRADE ROCKS! 10 POINTS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW – at Amazon.com for the Kindle, or signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/freetrade.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Dear Bob: When Are You Leaving and Who Will Replace You?

by Ray Keating
Analysis/Commentary
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 28, 2019

Dear Bob,

Your tenure at the helm of Disney has been impressive. And I’m not just talking about the acquisitions of Pixar, Star Wars and Indiana Jones (i.e., LucasFilm), Marvel, and the Fox assets, but also the incredible investments being made in the Disney theme parks, and the bold move into streaming with Disney+, not to mention Hulu and ESPN+.


It’s just a fact that in terms of the history of the company, while each tenure was not without setbacks and poor choices, three names have made unmistakable, positive marks as Disney CEOs – Walt Disney, Michael Eisner, and you. 

Now, having said all of this, I’m not the only one wondering who is going to replace you at the end of 2021, when you’re supposed to retire.

First, I emphasize the “supposed to” because you’ve put off stepping down before – actually doing so four times. And I would argue that you should do so one more time. It would be fitting for you to still be at the helm in 2023, when the company marks its 100thanniversary. Retire at the close of 2023, and hand over the reins to the next CEO at that time. Of course, there’s no reason that the next CEO cannot be named prior to that point – indeed, most investors obviously would expect that to happen as a signal of a smooth transition.

Second, whether you step down in 2021 or 2023, who is your replacement going to be? I know the board thinks it calls the shots on this, and technically, it does, but no doubt, your voice will carry weight. 

Talk swirling around two people grabs my attention. One is Kevin Mayer, the current chairman of direct-to-consumer and international division.  After all, much of the foreseeable future of the company rides on the success of Disney+. If Disney+ rocks it early on, then Mayer would be a natural next CEO.

The second is Bob Chapek, head of parks, experiences and products since 2015. Given the role and revenue raked in by the parks, and taking note of the investments and transformations going on just at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, Chapek has to be a serious contender.

Well, investors and fans await the decision. 

But again, I think it would be fitting for you and your successor to be standing together on October 16, 2023, celebrating the 100thanniversary of the Walt Disney Company, and then either Mayer or Chapek kicking off his time as CEO at the close of that year.

Thanks for the consideration, and have a magical day!

Sincerely,
Ray Keating
DisneyBizJournal.com

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, and other books, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

5) Pre-order my next book – FREE TRADE ROCKS! 10 POINTS ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW – at Amazon.com for the Kindle, or signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/freetrade.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Big Message Coming Out of D23: Disney Investing, Innovating and Creating

by Ray Keating
News/Analysis
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 26, 2019

No matter which part of the Disney universe one might be interested in, there seemed to be something announced at D23 over the weekend to provide excitement. That speaks to the Walt Disney Company’s aggressiveness and confidence in what they’re doing, and the fact that they’re not shy about investing in their vision.

Consider developments in key areas.

Walt Disney World

The announcement that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be much more than a themed hotel, but rather, as noted on the Disney Parks Blog, “a new, first-of-its-kind vacation experience where guests will check in for a two-night adventure aboard a glamorous starship.” Rather than guests being at a hotel, this promises to be more of a cruise – but on board a starcruiser. If done well, this promises to be a gamechanger for theme park hotels. Watch other theme parks, including those in the Disney family, follow suit with this kind of uniquely immersive experience.

Source: DisneyParksBlog.com

And EPCOT will be undergoing a dramatic transformation in coming years. As Disney puts it, the new experiences in EPCOT “will make the park more Disney, more family, more timeless and more relevant to the millions of guests who visit each year.” Among the changes coming, Future World will give way to new “neighborhoods – World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature. 

World Celebration will include Dreamers Point, identified as having “lush gardens, a wishing tree, an interactive new fountain and a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney.” 

As for World Discovery, it will feature the storytelling coaster Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which will claim “the first reverse launch into space” that “rotates to focus on the action – wherever it may be.”

Source: DisneyParksBlog.com

Also, the expansion of Mission: Space will include the new restaurant, Space 220, that opens this coming winter. Its name comes from the fact that diners will be treated to views of Earth from 220 miles up.

And among the changes coming to World Showcase will be an attraction inspired by Mary Poppins joined with the United Kingdom pavilion. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opens in the France pavilion in the summer of 2020.

In addition, the Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, will arrive in the World of Nature.

In addition to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening late this month in Hollywood Studios, and the aforementioned Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Hollywood Studios will be welcoming Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in spring 2020.

And at the Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle Run willsee “riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles and experience the energy, lights and excitement of TRON’s high-tech universe.”

Disneyland

Among the announcements about the Disneyland included those related to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, including Worldwide Engineering Brigade housing the Spider-Man experience, which will be “the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature” Spidey; and the Pym Test Kitchen “using the latest innovations to grow and shrink food at this eatery.” Perhaps most intriguing, during phase two, Disney Parks Blog reported that Avengers Headquarters 

“...will become the future entrance to a brand-new E-Ticket attraction where you will step on board a Quinjet and fly alongside the Avengers in an epic adventure to Wakanda and beyond! You will team up alongside the Avengers in a battle to save our world against one of the most powerful villains they have ever faced. Imagineers are hard at work conceiving an all-new innovative ride system to put you in the middle of this action.”

Source: DisneyParksBlog.com

Disney Cruise Line

Disney also announced the name of its fifth cruise ship – the Disney WISH – which will set sail in January 2022. The WISH joins two other new ships on the way.

Marvel Movies and More

As for Marvel Studios announcements at D23, they included Black Panther 2being released on May 6, 2022; and The Eternals coming on November 6, 2020. Also, three more shows were announced for the Disney+ streaming service – Ms. MarvelMoon Knight, and She Hulk.

Star Wars

As for the Star Warsuniverse, D23 saw the release of a new trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the first trailer for the Disney+ series The Mandalorian – and both, by the way, look awesome! 

Source: DisneyParksBlog.com

For good measure, it was announced that new episodes of The Clone Wars will debut on Disney+ on February 20, 2020.

And there was more at D23. But again, what all of the news and fun tells us is that Disney is aggressively investing in its intertwined businesses, including theme parks, movies, streaming service, cruise line, and more.

Keep in mind what the New York Times reported in November:

“Each of Disney’s six theme park resorts around the world is undergoing major expansion, along with Disney Cruise Line. Michael Nathanson, a longtime media analyst, estimates that Disney will spend $24 billion on new attractions, hotels and ships over the next five years. That’s more than Disney paid for Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm combined.”

Disney has become the big kahuna in the world of entertainment. One of the dangers of being a big business is that innovation and creativity can falter. That’s not the case with Disney now or for the foreseeable future, given the enormous investments the company is making.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

Friday, August 23, 2019

No End to Avengers: Endgame – In Terms of Revenue?

by Ray Keating
News/Analysis
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 23, 2019

Is there no end to the robust revenue stream for Disney from Avengers: Endgame? Well, at least, not right now.


In July, Endgamefinally pushed ahead of Avatar in terms of its all-time box office take. In nominal terms, Avengers: Endgame now ranks as number one in terms of total box office revenue – at least in nominal terms. (See DisneyBizJournal’s analysis here.)

But there’s more revenue streaming in, as MediaPlayNews.com is reporting on Endgame’s phenomenal debut on Blu-ray and DVD. The site reported: “At retail, Avengers: Endgame sold more copies than the combined total of the rest of the top 20 by a more-than 3-to-1 margin, and the top 50 by more than 2-to-1.”

My reaction: Wow.

Check out the full story here.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Spidey Back in MCU Quicker Than Anticipated?

by Ray Keating
News/Analysis
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 22, 2019

In my previous report, I wrote: “Call me a crazy optimist, but I  don’t think Tom Holland’s Spider-Man will be exiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe, despite news that Spidey’s out and the Internet is freakin’ out.” I expected it might be “a rough road,” but that both Disney and Sony had every incentive to make it happen.


Well, rumors are flying that it might happen by this weekend – at least according to a report from ComicBookNews.com. That site is saying that rumors are flying that Disney has offered Sony a deal featuring a 6-picture deal with Holland, with an option for a seventh – four Spider-Man films and two Avengers movies – with Marvel at the helm of the films, and co-financing as well, for a 30 percent take (down from Disney’s rumored demand for 50 percent) In addition, Marvel would do the same for SpiderVerse live action spinoffs, while Sony would be able to do live-action SpiderVerse for television.


Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Remain Calm: Spidey-Feige-Sony-Disney Drama Not Likely Over

by Ray Keating
News/Analysis
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 21, 2019

Call me a crazy optimist, but I  don’t think Tom Holland’s Spider-Man will be exiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe, despite news that Spidey’s out and the Internet is freakin’ out. 


This entire Sony-Disney battle looks like a tough negotiation that somebody decided to take public to gain an advantage. Considering assorted reports, the story goes something along the following lines. Sony achieved great success with the two Holland movies – Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home – that came after a deal between the two companies allowed Marvel’s Kevin Feige (the MCU guru) to produce both movies. (That Marvel-Sony deal came after Sony was disappointed with the Andrew Garfield Spider-Man films.) As for Marvel, Spider-Man entered and is slated for an important role in the MCU. Here was a win-win deal in Hollywood.

But with two more Spider-Man movies supposedly on the way via Sony and more MCU films with Spidey coming, a new deal between the companies was sought. Given that the current deal gives Disney a rather modest 5 percent of the first-dollar gross on Spider-Man movies, along with all merchandise sales (certainly not insignificant), it’s pretty clear that Disney/Marvel was pushing for the new deal. And Disney reportedly wanted a 50-50 split on financing, with Feige staying on in his consulting-producer role, according to Variety.

But as negotiations hit the rocks, Disney seems to have played the “Feige” card, with the company seemingly worried that Feige might be getting spread too thin with all of the movie and streaming projects he’s involved with for Disney.

Sony Pictures then went public with a response. Variety reported:

     In a rare public rebuke to Disney, Sony announced Tuesday night that it was “disappointed” over the decision, highlighting Disney’s refusal to allow Marvel President Kevin Feige to continue as a producer on the projects. It also praised Feige, who teamed with Amy Pascal on “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which became Sony’s most successful release earlier this week in terms of global box office.
     “Much of today’s news about Spider-Man has mischaracterized recent discussions about Kevin Feige’s involvement in the franchise,” Sony said in a statement. “We are disappointed, but respect Disney’s decision not to have him continue as a lead producer of our next live action Spider-Man film.”
     “We hope this might change in the future, but understand that the many new responsibilities that Disney has given him – including all their newly added Marvel properties – do not allow time for him to work on IP they do not own,” the statement continued. “Kevin is terrific and we are grateful for his help and guidance and appreciate the path he has helped put us on, which we will continue.”

I’m sure Disney will have something to say in response.

Looking at a negotiation like this, the typical question is: Who needs whom more? 

Yes, Feige played a key role in getting Sony’s live-action Spider-Man on track (or back on track as I have great appreciation for the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man films). For good measure, Spidey being in the MCU clearly is a big plus for Sony. Of course, there’s no reason why Sony can’t take what Feige has done and run with it, telling some mighty Spidey tales, as basically said in the company’s statement. But that adds risk and uncertainty for a company that has an uneven track record with superhero, including Spider-Man, movies.

Meanwhile, the MCU certainly would survive – and yes, thrive – without Spider-Man. But the loss of that character would still be substantial and disruptive. Spider-Man exiting the MCU adds risk and uncertainty for Disney/Marvel, who already has seen the exit of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers.

Nobody likes added risk and uncertainty in Hollywood, an industry drenching in risk and uncertainty.

And by the way, I seriously doubt that Feige’s work on Spider-Man is somehow going to lead to him feeling overworked and his creative output will suffer as a result.

In the end, it’s unclear who needs whom more. I suppose given the MCU track record of success, a case can be made that Sony needs Marvel/Feige more. But in reality, this, again, is a clear case where each company benefits enormously from a partnership. And for that reason, while it might be a rough road along the way, I expect Sony and Disney to arrive at an agreement that results in Spidey remaining in the MCU. So, try to stay calm while these two entertainment companies fight it out over superheroes.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Disney+ International Rollout and Platforms Announced

by Ray Keating
News
DisneyBizJournal.com
August 19, 2019

The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International group announced today the schedule for the rollout of Disney+ and the platforms that will carry the Disney+ app.


Along with the U.S. kickoff on November 12, Disney+ will launch in Canada and the Netherlands on the same day. A week later, Disney+ will be available Australia and New Zealand. Disney expects to have Disney+ in most major markets within two years.

Agreements are in place to have the Disney+ app on the following platforms or devices: Apple (including Apple TV), Google (Android and Chromecast), Microsoft (Xbox One), Sony (including PlayStation 4), and Roku.

You can sign up for email updates regarding Disney+ at DisneyPlus.com. In addition, Disney+ goes live on Facebook (@DisneyPlus), Instagram and Twitter (@disneyplus) today.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

If you enjoyed this article, and since I am the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories, can I ask you to take at least one (preferably more) of the following steps?

1) The new Pastor Stephen Grant novel – DEEP ROUGH – has arrived! You can order the Kindle edition, the paperback, or the signed book.

2) Please join the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and short stories email list, and get the upcoming short story, THE TRAITOR, for free! Sign up here.

3) Buy one of the other Pastor Stephen Grant novels or short stories at Amazon.comor signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

4) Become a member of the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship, and get all kinds of FREE stuff, including each new book in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Check out the levels and benefits here.