Posted on 05/23/2025 12:32:36 PM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
In the last several years, YouTube has become an increasingly formidable competitor to streaming services and entertainment studios, providing videos from amateur and professional creators, as well as livestreaming major events and NFL games.
Now its growing threat to studios is headed to the courts.
The Google-owned platform recently poached Justin Connolly, president of platform distribution from Walt Disney Co.
On Wednesday, Disney sued YouTube and Connolly for breach of contract, alleging that Connolly violated an employment agreement that did not expire until March 2027 at the earliest.
Connolly oversaw Disney’s distribution strategy and third-party media sales for its streaming services like Disney+ and its television networks. He also was responsible for film and TV programming distribution through broadcasting and digital platforms, subscription video services and pay networks.
As part of his role, Connolly led Disney’s negotiations for a licensing deal renewal with YouTube, Disney said in its lawsuit.
“It would be extremely prejudicial to Disney for Connolly to breach the contract which he negotiated just a few months ago and switch teams when Disney is working on a new licensing deal with the company that is trying to poach him,” Disney said in its lawsuit.
Disney is seeking a preliminary injunction against Connolly and YouTube to enforce its employment contract.
YouTube did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
At YouTube, Connolly will be become the company’s head of media and sports, where he will be in charge of YouTube’s relationships with media companies and its live sports portfolio, according to Bloomberg.
YouTube accounted for 12% of U.S. TV viewing in in March, more than other streaming services like Netflix, according to Nielsen. YouTube’s revenue last year was estimated to be $54.2 billion, making it the second-largest media company behind Walt Disney Co., according to research...
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I thought NDAs were as good as useless in California these days
He should pull a George Costanza. Just go back to Disney and occupy his office until his contract runs out or they let him go. Maybe spill strawberries on Babe Ruth’s uniform.
Not a Disney supporter, but I think Disney has a point here.
Possibly a problem...
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-announces-rule-banning-noncompetes
YouTube’s revenue last year was estimated to be $54.2 billion, making it the second-largest media company behind Walt Disney Co., according to research...
Zero to $54 Billion in 20 years.
Sounds like ScruTube is going very free enterprise (capitalism for those of you in Rio Linda)
Oh! The Humanity!
Penski material!
A man of his word, I see.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.