(RoyalPatriot.com )- Disney is attempting to avoid controversy with its ad-supported streaming service by indicating that commercials about alcohol and politics will be rejected.
Like many of its competitors, the popular Disney+ streaming service will soon offer potential subscribers a new, cheaper option.
Two media buyers familiar with recent discussions between the company and advertising agencies said they are wary of overwhelming the streaming outlet with a glut of ads that could obscure the service’s family-friendly environment.
According to those executives, Disney+ decision-makers have already stated that they will not offer alcohol or political advertising at the launch. They will also not accept advertisements from competitors, such as other major studios, who want to promote their exclusive films and programming.
Media buyers were surprised by the ad restrictions, but that scarcity could drive up demand for commercial space.
According to a source familiar with the plan, Disney+ ads will run for four minutes or less per hour, meaning the network will have fewer ads per hour than NBC Universal’s Peacock. There would be no more than 5 minutes of commercials per 60 minutes on that streaming service. HBO Max offers the same amount of content as Disney+, with four minutes of commercials every hour.
Disney has always limited commercials on children’s channels, and the Disney Channel only accepts sponsorship messages tied to the network’s shows. Disney Junior’s target demographic is even younger, and there are rarely any commercials on the show.
According to CNET, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said last week that the company would continue to raise prices for Disney+ subscribers who do not opt for the cheaper ad-based tier.
The ad tier, according to Chapek, will allow the company to reach “an even broader audience.”
It’s not surprising that Disney is wary of running political advertisements. The company is still dealing with the consequences of its involvement in legislation earlier this year when it publicly opposed Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis declared that “Disney is a guest in Florida.” He signed legislation ending the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a 39-square-mile special governing and tax district that allowed Disney to avoid certain state taxes and regulations.
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