After Disney, Eisner Thrives Online

Eisner believes internet programming is entertainment's future

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2008 1:48 PM CST

(Newser) – Michael Eisner was once at the top of the heap as CEO of Disney, where he flourished. But after he was squeezed out by what some thought was poor company performance, he got creative in new media—and “I’m much happier now,” he tells the New York Times. And although his income isn’t what it used to be, his audience is growing.

Stepping away from Disney allows Eisner freedom to experiment with investments a big company might consider risky, such as his stake in online video aggregator Veoh and Topps baseball cards. He thinks Internet programming is the way of the future and is producing high-quality online shows, including the popular Prom Queen. After all, he asks, “how many skateboarding cats can there be?”

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Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles Friday, April 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

In this April 25, 2008 file photo, Michael Eisner, former CEO of The Walt Disney Co., smiles as he is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, file)

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A clip from Eisner's 'Prom Queen' series. (promqueentv)

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After Disney, Eisner Thrives Online