Disney Shakeup Amid CEO Transition, TV Industry Consolidation

The Walt Disney Company is undergoing a significant change in leadership, with Kristina Schake, the senior executive vice president and chief communications officer, exiting the company at the end of March. This move coincides with the transition of Bob Iger stepping down as CEO and Josh D'Amaro taking over the role.

According to a memo from Iger to staff, Schake will depart the company on March 18, the same day D'Amaro is formally installed as CEO. Schake had signed a new long-term deal with Disney just a few months ago, alongside other top executives who reported to Iger. The company will announce Schake's successor at a later date.

Meanwhile, a new study commissioned by DirecTV has revealed that the consolidation of TV station groups has led to a decline in local news in many markets. The study found that areas with a Big Four duopoly, triopoly, or quadropoly have fewer newsrooms and less diversity of voices. This trend is concerning, as local news is essential for communities to stay informed about issues that affect them directly.

In other TV news, HBO's medical procedural drama "The Pitt" is tackling immigration in an upcoming episode, with executive producer John Wells revealing that the network wanted the storyline to be more "balanced." Wells told The Daily Beast that he didn't want to present a one-sided view of the issue and that HBO encouraged him to include multiple perspectives.

On a lighter note, fans of "Saturday Night Live" can catch Connor Storrie's hosting debut on February 28, with musical guests Mumford & Sons. The episode will air on NBC and can be livestreamed on various platforms, including Peacock, DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV.

The TV industry is undergoing significant changes, from leadership transitions to consolidation and shifts in programming. As the landscape continues to evolve, it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments and their impact on the industry and audiences alike.