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The Walt Disney Company Acquires YouTube Network Maker Studios

The Walt Disney Company has acquired Maker Studios, the leading network of online video content on YouTube.

Maker has more than 55,000 channels, 380 million subscribers, and 5.5 billion views per month on YouTube, making it the top online video network for the Millennial generation. The acquisition will help Disney bring more content to consumers across all platforms.

ABC News President Ben Sherwood Picked to Succeed Anne Sweeney as President of Disney/ABC Television Group

ABC News President Ben Sherwood will replace Anne Sweeney as co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president of the Disney/ABC Television Group.

Sweeney recently announced that she is leaving her position early next year to pursue a new career path in the industry.

The Walt Disney Company Launches Disney Accelerator Program for Startups

The Walt Disney Company is launching a mentorship and investment programs for startup companies.

The Disney Accelerator is a three month long program that offers startups the chance to collaborate with mentors including Bob Iger, the chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company in addition to leaders from Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, ESPN, ABC, and more.

The Walt Disney Company Releases First Quarter Earnings Report

Thanks to a hammer wielding god and a queen with an icy touch, The Walt Disney Company reported a 33 percent increase in profits for the 2014 fiscal year first quarter.

Walt Disney Studios reported a 75 percent increase in operating income to $409 million which was due to the success of Marvel's Thor: The Dark World and the monstrous hit Frozen. Thor earned $633.1 million in global box office sales, while Frozen is on track to earn $1 billion in global ticket sales.

Disney Continues Support of Veterans with New Scholarship Program

As part of the company's ongoing Heroes Work Here initiative, Disney recently announced a new partnership with Student Veterans of America (SVA) to provide three scholarships to student veterans.

The scholarships, each worth $10,000, will be awarded to student veterans who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). In addition to the scholarship, the recipients will also be guaranteed an interview for an internship with The Walt Disney Company.

Disney Legal Forms Pro-Bono Team to Help Communities and Families

Disney's legal team recently formed a pro-bono group to help families and communities in Los Angeles.

The group has volunteered their time and expertise to help guide more than a dozen adoptions through the Los Angeles County court system.

Adam Sanderson Named Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications for The Walt Disney Company

Adam Sanderson has been named senior vice president, corporate communications for The Walt Disney Company. In this new role he will oversee D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Walt Disney Archives.

Sanderson is a 17-year veteran with The Walt Disney Company and was most recently the senior vice president, franchise management of Disney/ABC Television Group.

In that role he was responsible for launching, building, and sustaining franchises for networks including Disney XD, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ABC Family, and more.

Disney Stocks End 2013 at All-Time Record High

The Walt Disney Company ended 2013 with shares of the company's stock trading at record levels.

In the past year, Disney's stock has gained more than 51 percent over the previous year. On December 30, 2013 shares rose more than 2.5 percent in early trading and by mid-day it was close to $76.29.

Disney CEO’s Pay Dropped 15 Percent for 2013 Fiscal Year

The chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company earned $34.3 million in the 2013 fiscal year, which reflected a 15 percent drop from a year prior.

Robert Iger's pay included a salary of $2.5 million (the same as a year ago) in addition to $8.8 million in stock, $8.4 million in options, and a bonus of $13.6 million according to a filing by Disney.

Iger's total compensation for the previous year was $40.2 million.

The Walt Disney Company Pledges $1 Million in aid to China Earthquake Victims

During an appearance in Beijing, China last weekend, LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced that The Walt Disney Company has pledged $1 million in humanitarian aid for the areas affected by the recent deadly earthquake in in China's Southwestern province of Sichuan. The money will be used to rebuild schools in the region.

This is not the first time that Disney has offered to help earthquake victims in China. The company has made donations to the country in 2007 and again in 2010.

Articles

What It Took to Bring MyMagic+ and Magic Bands to the Walt Disney World Resort

It's a story filled with drama, intrigue, cast changes, and outrageous budgets. Think we're talking about the latest blockbuster film from Disney? Not even close. We're talking about the story behind MyMagic+ and Magic Bands and how the way we all experience Walt Disney World Resort has changed in the past few years.

Bob Iger to Remain Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Through June 30, 2018

The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors has extended the contract of Chairman and CEO Bob Iger through June 30, 2018.

Iger has been at the helm of The Walt Disney Company since 2005.

Under Iger's leadership Disney has acquired Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Marvel. The company has also seen an expansion of its parks and resorts around the world, including the opening next year of Shanghai Disneyland.

Walt Disney Company Raises Annual Dividend by 15 Percent

The Walt Disney Company announced that it is raising its annual dividend by 15 percent to 86 cents from 75 cents.

This boost comes after the company's third consecutive year of record net income, earnings per share, and revenue.

The dividend is payable on January 16, 2014 to shareholders of record on December 16. It is the 58th consecutive dividend payment to shareholders according to the company.

Disney’s Theme Parks and Interactive Media Divisions Boost Company’s Fourth Quarter Profits

The Walt Disney Company has reported a positive end to its fourth quarter and fiscal year, reporting a 7 percent increase in revenue for the year and an 8 percent increase in net income.

The positive quarter-and year-end results were due in large part to the theme park and interactive segments, including sales of Disney Infinity.

Disney Cast Members Couch to 5K Plus

The fun and inventive runDisney events have been inspiring Disney fans around the world to get up off the couch and get moving. But the Walt Disney Company's commitment to health and fitness isn't just about getting guests to visit the property. Since 2011 hundreds of Cast Members have been taking steps in the right direction to become more active.