'So Far, So Good' on Disney's Launch of ESPN+ OTT Service, Says CEO Iger

Disney is “still deep in the regulatory process” of acquiring much of 21st Century Fox (see 1712140038), said CEO Bob Iger on a Tuesday earnings call. “I can't share any more information or engage in further speculation about the deal, except to say that we strongly believe in the value” of the Fox “assets as part of our ongoing strategy to create growth in a very dynamic global marketplace,” said Iger. There was no mention on the call of Comcast’s reported all-cash offer for Fox (see 1805080004). Disney soft-launched the ESPN+ over-the-top service about a month ago with a marketing strategy that’s “relatively modest in nature,” said Iger. He wouldn't disclose statistics on the ESPN+ launch, “except to say that so far, so good,” he said. “A number of people have signed up, obviously, for the trial and our conversion rates have been good so far. Most importantly, the technology is working, the user interface is considered good, the fan reaction has been quite strong.” Disney is pricing the service at $4.99 monthly, starting with a seven-day free trial.