Among other things, it paves the way for Disney to launch its streaming service, Disney Plus, due out later this year. Disney needs compelling TV shows and movies to persuade viewers to sign up and pay for yet another streaming service. With Fox, Disney could add Marvel's X-Men and Deadpool, along with programs shown on such Fox channels as FX Networks and National Geographic. Disney CEO Bob Iger said in an earnings call in February that Disney Plus and other direct-to-consumer businesses are Disney's "No. Meanwhile, Fox Corp. — the parts of 21st Century Fox that are not part of the deal, including Fox News, Fox Sports and Fox Broadcasting — started trading on the Nasdaq under the "FOX" and "FOXA" tickers on Tuesday.

Source: CBC News March 20, 2019 05:03 UTC