STREAMING SERVICE, FOX ACQUISITION AHEAD FOR DISNEY

YORK» Disney’s upcoming NEW streaming service won’t try to compete directly with Netflix and Amazon, but will focus instead on quality — namely, original programs from Disney’s “Star Wars,” Pixar and Marvel brands.

The details from Disney CEO Bob Iger came as Disney reported a growth in earnings for the latest quarter, though results missed expectations.

With Comcast out of the bidding war, Disney is planning to move forward with its $71.3 billion purchase of Fox’s entertainment assets, in part to boost a Disneybranded streaming service set to launch in late 2019. Disney’s shareholders and U.S. regulators have approved the Fox bid. Disney is awaiting regulatory approval overseas.

In a statement, Iger said he was excited about “opportunities ahead for continued growth.”

Disney is building the streaming service as more people switch from traditional cable TV bundles to streaming online through services such as Amazon and Netflix.

Disney just launched a $5-permonth ESPN Plus streaming service with sports. If the Fox deal closes, it will have a controlling stake in Hulu, which offers a broad array of programming starting at $8 per month.

Though a price for the upcoming service hasn’t been set, Iger told analysts during a conference call that the price will reflect a lower volume of shows and movies. Netflix plans range from $8 to $14 per month. — The Associated Press