The The Walt Disney Company has begun a new round of layoffs expected to eliminate around 1,000 jobs across multiple divisions, marking the first major restructuring under its new chief executive Josh D’Amaro.
The layoffs started this week and will impact employees across the company’s traditional television businesses, including ESPN, as well as its film studio, product and technology teams, and certain corporate functions.
Restructuring under new leadership
D’Amaro, who took over as CEO in early 2026 following Bob Iger, said the move is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape.
“Over the past several months, we have looked at ways… to ensure we deliver the world-class creativity and innovation our fans value and expect,” he said in a memo to employees.
He added that the “fast-moving pace of our industries” requires Disney to build a more agile and technologically enabled workforce.
The layoffs follow a January decision to consolidate the company’s marketing division, which resulted in overlapping roles across departments.
Scope and departments affected
The job cuts are expected to span several core areas of the business, including:
- Traditional television operations such as ESPN
- Film and studio divisions
- Product and technology units
- Corporate and administrative functions
Employees began receiving notifications this week as the company implements the restructuring plan.
Disney employed roughly 230,000 people globally as of late 2025, meaning the layoffs represent a relatively small portion of its workforce but carry broader implications for its operational strategy.
Part of a broader industry slowdown
The move comes amid wider contraction across the entertainment industry, where companies are grappling with declining traditional television audiences, fluctuating box office revenues and intensifying competition from streaming platforms.
Other major players have also announced job cuts. Paramount Skydance has shed around 2,000 jobs, while Sony Pictures recently said it would eliminate hundreds of positions.
Analysts say the layoffs reflect a structural shift in the media industry, as companies transition toward digital platforms while trying to manage costs and improve efficiency.
Previous layoffs and cost pressures
This is not Disney’s first round of job cuts in recent years. Shortly after Iger returned as CEO in 2022, the company eliminated around 8,000 roles as part of a cost-cutting drive.
That restructuring was aimed at saving billions of dollars and addressing losses in the company’s streaming business, which has faced growing competition from rivals.
Outlook
The latest layoffs highlight the challenges facing Disney as it navigates a changing entertainment landscape under new leadership.
While the company continues to invest in its core creative and technological capabilities, the restructuring signals a shift toward leaner operations and a renewed focus on efficiency.
Industry observers say further adjustments may follow as media companies continue to realign their business models with evolving consumer habits.
