Hearst Buys Disney's 50% Stake in A+E Global Media for $1.2 Billion
$1.2 billion in cash is what Hearst has agreed to pay Disney for its 50% stake in A+E Global Media, ending a partnership that dates back more than a decade. The deal hands Hearst full control of a portfolio that includes Lifetime, History Channel, A&E Network, Lifetime Movie Network, FYI and Vice TV, along with A+E Studios, A+E Factual Studio, A&E IndieFilms and streaming services such as History Vault, Lifetime Movie Club and Crime 360. Hearst and Disney put the company up for sale in July 2025, drawing interest from Starz, though it is unclear if that interest ever reached a formal bid. The transaction is expected to close in September, with Paul Buccieri remaining as president and chairman. 'We thank our Disney colleagues for decades of successful partnership,' said Hearst CEO Steven R. Swartz, who added that Hearst looks forward to supporting Buccieri's team as they continue building the History, Lifetime and A&E brands.
Full ownership under one company narrows the number of decision-makers agencies negotiate with over Lifetime, History and A&E ad inventory, since packaging and pricing calls no longer require sign-off from two corporate parents. Buccieri's team has spent recent years diversifying beyond linear ad revenue through A+E Studios projects like the Netflix drama 'The Lincoln Lawyer' and through FAST channels and subscription products, a strategy Hearst's investment is positioned to extend. Media buyers can expect continuity in leadership and programming through the September close, with any changes to ad sales structure likely to surface only after Hearst settles into full ownership.