Disney Clicks On Convergence For Bottom Line

The Walt Disney Co. is counting mightily on the advent of TV-Internet convergence, the opening of four new theme parks and a strong DVD market to steer it out of a two-year economic slump, the company's top executives told shareholders Tuesday. Steve Bornstein, Chairman of Disney Internet arm Go.com, said the company plans to ""push the envelope"" in the enhanced TV arena, starting with interactive features incorporated into the Academy AwardsÆ telecast and ""Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,"" both of which air on Disney-owned ABC. Disney is also developing a new application that lets viewers watch sporting events on television while listening to what's being said on the bench or field during the game, Bornstein said. The Go.com chief and other top Disney executives, including Chairman Michael Eisner and newly named President Robert Iger, for the most part reiterated their upbeat outlook for the company at its annual shareholders meeting.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter