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Disney realigns publishing
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April 8, 1999: 2:45 p.m. ET
International units combined, adult books become division of ABC TV
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - In a bid to strengthen worldwide sales of its children's books, videos and magazines, Walt Disney Co. consolidated its international publishing activities under one umbrella Thursday while shifting its adult book business to ABC Inc.
The Burbank, Calif.-based entertainment giant is unifying its U.S. publishing subsidiary, Buena Vista Publishing Group, and its five regional international publishing divisions under the newly-created Disney Publishing, Worldwide.
Company officials described the reorganization as a "growth-oriented" strategy as opposed to a cost-cutting measure. The new division starts out with more than 50 million readers a month worldwide and a leading position in children's publishing in all major markets.
"This is an opportunity for us to not only find out about a global opportunity, but to plan for a global roll-out of that book, movie or video," said Steven Murphy, who was promoted to senior vice president and managing director of Disney Publishing, Worldwide. "This is not a U.S.-centric event.
Murphy said under Disney's former structure, there was little communication among the company's various international divisions, meaning some Disney products weren't effectively marketed in certain areas.
Meanwhile, the Hyperion division, which publishes fiction and non-fiction books for adults, will operate as a division of ABC television, whose publishing unit also operates Fairchild Publications.
Disney (DIS) spokeswoman Lisa Caputo said company officials determined Hyperion's adult-oriented focus identified more closely with ABC's marketing strategies than the new international division.
Hyperion has published more than 800 books since 1991, including several written by prominent television stars.
"ABC's huge talent base and research capabilities will be an instant advantage to Hyperion," Caputo said. 
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