US media is reporting that Walt Disney Co and Hearst are considering selling or merging their joint venture, A+E Global Media, according to sources.
The companies have enlisted financial services company Wells Fargo to assess strategic options, which may include a full sale or merger with another media firm, though no decision is final yet.
A+E Global Media, jointly owned by Disney and Hearst, operates popular cable brands like A&E, Lifetime, and The History Channel, along with 60+ FAST streaming channels. It was recently rebranded from the more familiar A+E Networks.
It also has production units and content partnerships worldwide, reaching over 414 million households.
The move represents the latest industry reaction to the rise of steaming services and loss of revenues to established linear channels.
