Iger talks tech, business at Media Summit

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Iger talks tech, business at Media Summit


By Georg Szalai
The Hollywood Reporter
March 13, 2008

NEW YORK -- Walt Disney Co. isn't considering an acquisition of Yahoo or AOL, and a sale of Yahoo to Microsoft would present an opportunity rather than a challenge for Disney, CEO Robert Iger said Wednesday.

If online players, including Google, are stronger, "they create value for us," Iger said in a keynote appearance that opened the 2008 Media Summit New York, organized by The McGraw-Hill Companies and produced by Digital Hollywood. "And we look at making that process better, whether (by) giving them access to video or other features."

He once again emphasized that overall, technology is a friend for content players rather than a foe, and he reiterated that Disney's digital revenue this year will grow from $750 million to $1 billion.

On a light note, Iger shared that he has a Facebook page, but only two friends. He feels it is important for industry executives to experience popular technologies and digital products, he explained.

The CEO also said he feels "extremely fortunate" to have Apple CEO and Pixar boss Steve Jobs on Disney's board. But asked if Jobs would take the reins at Disney after him, Iger said: "I haven't asked him." He added that Jobs also "hasn't expressed any desire" to run the company.

He also lauded Pixar for having exceeded his expectations creatively and financially since Disney acquired the studio.

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