Disney succession: What's the worst that could happen?
That's a simple question to answer. In the view of some of Michael Eisner's critics, the worst that could happen is that Eisner's retirement as CEO in 2006 could merely be a change of titles - - that he would succeed George Mitchell as Chairman and Bob Iger could step up one rung from President to CEO, essentially leaving the company with the same management that it has today. In an attempt to short-circuit such a scenario, Disney dissidents Roy Disney and Stan Gold are turning up the heat, enlisting shareholders small and large to demand that Mitchell and the rest of the board get on the stick and recruit a successor for Eisner post-haste. "With Mr. Eisner's announced retirement, the Company is, for all practical purposes, without a CEO," the draft letter they're circulating states, and it goes on to imply that the directors are shirking their duties if they wait two years to name a new leader for the company. And the letter insists that no matter who is the new CEO, Eisner has to be gone - - completely. "We will never attract the world-class CEO we need as long as Mr. Eisner continues to dominate the Company. In order to bring in the talent Disney deserves, you should make it clear that Mr. Eisner will retire from all positions at The Walt Disney Company and its Board of Directors upon conclusion of the CEO search," the letter says.
Kaiser rolls out latest study this week
The Kaiser Family Foundation is putting the final touches on its next by study, which will report on parental thoughts on the current state of the media. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday 9/23/04 to discuss the report. In attendance will be Sen. Sam Brownback (R-KS), FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, News Corp. SVP Ellen Agress, and Patti Miller of Children & the Media, Children Now.
The study will look at the Janet Jackson Super Bowl incident; a comparison of inappropriate TV content and video games, the web and/or music lyrics; how the V-Chip and TV content ratings are used; support for content regulation regarding sexual and violent material; and the impact of food advertising on children.
Media Tracker updated
Trying to keep tabs on the nation's 42 largest broadcast and telecommunications companies, are you? Or are you just trying to make sure the watchdogs have the correct dope on your company?
Your job has just been made easier. The Center for Public Integrity has updated their database on these companies. It lists television stations, radio stations, cable systems, company holdings,, profits and executive salaries.
The site takes LMA and JSAs into account. It also includes ownership info on the top 250 regional newspapers, and any paper owned by one of the top ten broadcast companies. It is searchable by zip code in 20-mile increments up to 100 miles.
The site is located at www.openairwaves.org.
CCU broadens hurricane relief
Clear Channel announced that cross-divisional relief efforts in support of the communities affected by the recent hurricanes have topped 1.2 million so far.
"Many of the individuals coordinating relief efforts are local Clear Channel employees, themselves affected by the storm," said interim CEO Mark Mays. "We are very proud of the role Clear Channel's local operations across all of our divisions have played in supporting relief efforts and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims. We are continuing to do as much as we can to add to the relief efforts."
CC Entertainment donated certain concert proceeds, merchandise, and clothing directly to the Red Cross and encouraging concert-goers to do the same by offering reduced Gloria Estefan ticket prices to Red Cross contributors. All proceeds from the Tim McGraw concert presented by CC Entertainment held on 8/22 were donated to The Red Cross. CC Entertainment has sent merchandise and clothing valued at over 600,000 to local churches and to The Salvation Army for distribution to people in Florida as well as affected countries in the Caribbean.
Clear Channel Outdoor has donated billboard materials to repair victims' homes and has provided free advertising space to publicize critical FEMA info to local residents.
CC Radio stations have been working to assist and raise money for hurricane victims. Initiatives include organizing blood drives, food and clothing drop-offs as well as providing free promotional support for various local and national relief initiatives. Stations have also raised more than 660,000 through local radiothons and fundraisers, which have gone directly to the families in need and the Red Cross.
CC Radio is also auctioning off 43 celebrity-signed guitars on www.StormAid.com, one of the largest charity auctions in radio history. The auction has entered its final week, concluding at 3 PM ET today.
Are you reading this from a forwarded email?
