Dana Walden Discusses CEO Race and Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension

Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, recently addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding the race for CEO of Disney and the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. In an interview with Bloomberg’s The Circuit with Emily Chang, Walden shared her insights into these high-profile topics.

Dana Walden on CEO Race

Walden emphasized the camaraderie among Disney executives amidst the competition to succeed Bob Iger as CEO. “I don’t appreciate being pit against my colleagues,” she stated. Walden expressed confidence in the direction of the company, highlighting the strength of the organization’s team.

• Walden is considered a leading candidate alongside Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences.
• Other executives, such as Alan Bergman and ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro, are not seen as contenders.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension Explained

In addition to the CEO race, Walden was asked about Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension. Kimmel was taken off the air on September 17 after making controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk. His absence lasted until September 23, during which time his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was pulled from several local affiliates by Nexstar and Sinclair.

Walden noted that the decision to suspend Kimmel aimed to “take the temperature down.” She explained, “The situation was extremely heated,” prompting discussions to resolve the issue and protect employees and audiences.

Reaction to Kimmel’s Back On Air

Upon Kimmel’s return, former President Trump praised the decision but did not reach out directly to Walden or Iger. When questioned about any communication from Trump, Walden confirmed that they did not hear from him.

Impact on Disney’s Streaming Services

During Kimmel’s suspension, reports surfaced that Disney experienced a decline in streaming subscriptions, particularly for Hulu. However, Walden dismissed these claims as “highly exaggerated.” She pointed to the company’s strong quarterly earnings as evidence of resilience.

“I think this issue is firmly in our past,” she asserted, demonstrating her optimism for Disney’s future.