Disney making changes to its DEI efforts

Disney is reshaping its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, shifting focus toward business outcomes, according to an internal note obtained by Axios.

Key Changes

Performance Metrics: Disney is replacing the Diversity & Inclusion performance factor in executive compensation evaluations with a broader Talent Strategy metric, emphasizing business-driven values.

DEI Rebranding: The company has discontinued the Reimagine Tomorrow initiative, shifting its focus to updated DEI efforts on its corporate and internal websites.

Employee Groups: Disney has rebranded Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) to Belonging Employee Resource Groups, reinforcing workplace community engagement.

Content Disclaimers and Streaming Changes

While not explicitly included in the internal note, sources confirmed that Disney+ is updating content advisory disclaimers for select older titles.

Auto-play disclaimers, which previously warned of negative depictions in older films like Dumbo and Peter Pan, will be removed.

Instead, advisories will be moved to the details section, reading: “This program is presented as originally created and may contain stereotypes or negative depictions.”

Disney’s Position in the Political Landscape

Disney has long maintained a family-friendly image, but its involvement in political issues, including opposition to Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, placed it in the spotlight. Since returning as CEO in 2022, Bob Iger has refocused the company on its core mission of entertainment.

“Our primary mission needs to be to entertain, and then through our entertainment to continue to have a positive impact on the world. It should not be agenda-driven, it should be entertainment-driven,” Iger stated at the 2023 annual shareholders meeting.

Outlook and Impact

Disney’s reputation among Republicans improved in 2024, as indicated by the Axios Harris 100 brand reputation poll. Additionally, Disney led the North American box office last year with successes like Inside Out 2 and Moana 2.

As Disney navigates this strategic shift, the industry will closely watch the impact of its revised DEI approach and content policies on its brand and audience engagement.