Disney and 21st Century Fox deal is a win for consumers

DISNEY’S takeover of 21st Century Fox is set to offer viewers more TV and movie content, and a streaming service that’s “substantially cheaper” than Netflix.

TV and movie viewers are expected to have more choice of movies and TV following the deal struck between 21st Century Fox and Disney. Picture: Getty Images

ENTERTAINMENT viewers are set to have even more choice of TV programming and films than ever before.

21st Century Fox, the producer of some of the biggest TV series including The Simpsons and Modern Family, and film blockbusters including Avatar and X-Men has struck the biggest-ever entertainment deal with Walt Disney Co.

The Simpsons has remained a hit TV series around the world for decades. Picture: Fox

For big and small screen viewers, Disney’s takeover of Fox — a $68.4 billion agreement — means Walt Disney Co is taking on the television and movie industry head on.

The move is expected to see them drastically boost video streaming and television content in a highly-competitive entertainment industry.

Disney not only has access to its mass amounts of movies and TV shows but also all of Fox’s movies and TV studio output.

The deal struck by News Corp’s executive chairman Rupert Murdoch includes the acquisition of 20th Century Fox film and TV studio and also its international and cable TV businesses.

News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch did a $68.4 billion deal with 21st Century Fox and Walt Disney. Picture: AFP

Media analysis Steve Allen said the deal would take some years before translating into more viewing for TV and movie consumers.

“They will have an enormous market share infilm distribution once the merger occurs and what happens when it’s combined with their television audience’’ he said.

“The most logical thing is they are going to use Hulu (internet-deliver TV streaming service) as a competitor to Netflix and Amazon Prime and any other person that has a streaming service.”

Viewers will eventually have more TV and movie offering following the 21st Century Fox and Walt Disney Co deal. Picture: iStock

The company released a statement declaring it would “create more ways for its storytellers to entertain and connect directly with audiences while providing more choices for how they consume content.”

“The complimentary offerings of each company enhance Disney’s development of films, TV programming and related products to provide consumers with a more enjoyable and immersive entertainment experience,” 21st Century Fox said.

Audiences for traditional TV continues to be impacted by the platter of options available including audiences of Netflix and Amazon.

Disney’s chief executive officer Bob Iger spoke recently on his plans to offer streaming content with a monthly cost that he declared would be “substantially cheaper” than Netflix.

Walt Disney’s chief executive officer Bob Iger recently said he would offer streaming content that would be cheaper than Netflix. Picture: AFP

And the good news for consumers doesn’t stop there it extends to theme parks too. For those going overseas, visitors to Disney’s animal kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort can also experience the themed area of Pandora — The World of Avatar at the resort.

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