Hearst has agreed to acquire Disney’s 50% stake in A+E Global Media for approximately $1.2 billion in cash, giving the media company full ownership of A&E, History, and Lifetime.
Disney and Hearst announced the deal on August 4, 2026, ending a partnership that began with A&E’s launch in 1984. The companies expect to complete the transaction in September 2026.
Hearst Acquires Full Ownership of A+E Global Media
Disney and Hearst have jointly owned A+E Global Media on a 50-50 basis for more than a decade. Under the new agreement, Hearst will purchase Disney’s entire stake and bring A+E Global Media fully under its entertainment division.
The acquisition goes beyond the three flagship networks. Hearst will also gain full ownership of Lifetime Movie Network, FYI, and Vice TV. In addition, the company will acquire A+E Studios, A+E Factual Studio, A&E IndieFilms, and streaming platforms including History Vault, Lifetime Movie Club, and Crime 360. Together, these businesses reach more than 414 million households across 200 territories.
Meanwhile, the leadership team will remain unchanged. Paul Buccieri will continue serving as President and chairman of A+E Global Media. He will now report directly to Hearst CEO Steven R. Swartz instead of a joint Disney-Hearst board.
Importantly, the agreement does not affect Hearst’s separate 18% stake in ESPN. Disney will continue to hold its majority ownership in ESPN under a separate arrangement.
Why Disney Is Selling Its Stake in A+E Global Media
Meanwhile, Disney continues to reduce its exposure to traditional linear television. As pay-TV subscriptions decline, the company has shifted its focus toward streaming services and ESPN.
Industry reports suggest A+E Global Media carried a valuation of around $2 billion just a year ago. However, Disney accepted a lower valuation to complete the sale quickly rather than wait for a higher offer.
In July 2025, Disney and Hearst hired Wells Fargo to manage a formal sale process. Consequently, many industry observers view this transaction as another step in Disney’s long-term strategy. Former CEO Bob Iger began the company’s shift away from legacy cable assets, and current CEO Josh D’Amaro continues that approach by prioritising streaming and digital media.
Why Hearst Wanted Complete Control of A+E Networks
In contrast, Hearst sees long-term value in owning established television brands outright. The privately held media company already operates newspapers, magazines, and 35 local television stations across the United States.
Moreover, full ownership allows Hearst to keep all future profits while making strategic decisions independently. The company also gains complete control of A+E’s valuable content library and intellectual property. These assets have become increasingly important as the media industry becomes more fragmented and streaming competition intensifies.
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Key Highlights
- Hearst is acquiring Disney’s 50% stake in A+E Global Media for approximately $1.2 billion in cash.
- The acquisition gives Hearst full ownership of A&E, History, Lifetime, Vice TV, FYI, and related production studios and streaming platforms.
- Disney and Hearst have jointly owned A+E Global Media for more than a decade, following A&E’s launch in 1984.
- Paul Buccieri will remain president and chairman of A+E Global Media and will report directly to Hearst CEO Steven R. Swartz.
- Disney is accepting a lower valuation to complete its exit from the venture.
- Hearst’s separate 18% ownership stake in ESPN remains unchanged.
- The transaction reflects Disney’s broader strategy of shifting its business away from traditional cable television and toward streaming services and ESPN.
- The companies expect to complete the acquisition in September 2026.
What the Disney-Hearst Deal Means for the Media Industry
Overall, viewers are unlikely to notice immediate changes. The networks will continue operating under their existing brands, programming strategies, and leadership team.
However, the transaction sends a strong signal to the broader media industry. Disney’s decision to sell a major cable asset at a discounted valuation highlights its commitment to a streaming-first future.
As a result, industry analysts are likely to renew speculation about the future of Disney’s remaining traditional television assets, including National Geographic, FX, and Freeform. The continued decline of linear television is reshaping how major media companies manage their portfolios, and this deal represents another significant step in that transformation.
