Dana Walden, president of The Walt Disney Company, spoke about the need for layoffs and restructuring in the entertainment industry during a conference in Los Angeles. Speaking at the Bloomberg Screentime event, Walden described the process as "extremely painful," noting that many colleagues she had worked with for years had left the company. She acknowledged that while the changes are difficult, they are a necessary part of adapting to the evolving media landscape. Disney has faced multiple rounds of layoffs in recent years, with reports suggesting around 1,000 employees left the company in April following the appointment of new CEO Josh D'Amaro. Walden explained that the latest round of departures was part of a voluntary program, giving executives the chance to decide whether to leave or stay while recognizing that change was inevitable. She emphasized the impact of technological advancements on the industry, stating that Disney must "survive, prosper, and grow" in a competitive environment. Like other media companies, Disney is continually reviewing its structure to remain relevant. Walden also addressed concerns about the future of comedian Jimmy Kimmel, whose show had been temporarily removed from broadcast in 2025 after a comment about Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer who was killed on a college campus. Walden noted that the late evening time slot, where Kimmel's show is typically aired, is a challenging one due to declining viewership on general television channels. She praised Kimmel's work, stating that his audience is growing, but acknowledged that the overall audience for late-night programming is shrinking. In May, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the American telecommunications regulatory authority, ordered an early review of ABC's license after Donald Trump called for the firing of Kimmel over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump, who was described as "radiant like a widow in the making." Walden's comments reflect the broader challenges facing traditional media in the digital age, where competition from online platforms and shifting viewer habits have forced companies to reevaluate their strategies. As Disney continues to navigate these changes, the decisions made today will shape the future of the entertainment industry.