Disney to Sell Its Stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst for About $1.2 Billion — Update
By Josh Beckerman
Walt Disney Co. is selling its 50% stake in A+E Global Media for about $1.2 billion to Hearst, which will take on full ownership of prominent brands such as Lifetime and The History Channel.
Hearst said Tuesday it expects to close the deal in September, subject to customary closing conditions.
Disney, which is scheduled to report third quarter earnings on Wednesday, has for years maintained an equity investment in A+E Global Media.
In addition to A&E, Lifetime and The History Channel, A+E Global Media also includes LMN, FYI and Vice TV. A+E Global Media reaches more than 414 million households.
Both Lifetime and A&E were formed in the same 1984 deal that split a cable network called Daytime and Arts in two and merged each half with other fledgling cable networks. A&E later bought Lifetime.
The venture has been a powerhouse featuring top shows like "Project Runway" and "Ice Road Truckers" but the cable industry has contended with trends like cord-cutting and streaming. Disney's second quarter was helped by a surge in the operating profit for its Disney+ and Hulu streaming services.
Write to Josh Beckerman at josh.beckerman@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 04, 2026 18:45 ET (22:45 GMT)
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