Disney to Transfer its 50% A+E Stake to Hearst in $1 B+ Deal
Disney will sell its half-ownership of A+E Global Media to Hearst for over $1 billion, giving Hearst full control.
Disney is set to relinquish its half-interest in A+E Global Media, the cable-programming partnership it has shared with Hearst for over a decade. The sale, priced at upwards of $1 billion, will transfer complete ownership to Hearst and is expected to be finalized within the coming week, coinciding with Disney’s August 5 earnings release. Representatives for the involved parties have not responded to comment requests.
In its March 2026 10-Q, Disney listed the A+E investment at roughly $2 billion and recorded a $147 million impairment charge during the quarter. After the transaction, A+E Global Media’s president and chairman Paul Buccieri will continue to lead the company, now reporting to Hearst CEO Steve Swartz. The portfolio includes cable channels such as A&E, Lifetime, History, FYI and Vice TV, as well as studios, digital units and streaming services.
Why it matters
The deal gives Hearst full control of a major cable and streaming portfolio while reshaping Disney’s asset base.
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