Walt Disney finally announced a lift on its ban on reporters from Los Angeles Times and critics from taking part in its press screenings. This is after rampant backlash prompted different media houses to declare their intention to boycott all Disney movies. Many critics thought it was an arrogant move by Disney to ban them from commenting on their work and the result was a decision by four among the U.S.’ influential film critics to bar Disney from taking part in the end-year awards.
The critics issued their joint statement that stated they would ensure Disney movies is left out in the end-year awards for the conduct of the company when it issued a blackout on L.A. Times because of critical reporting.
Statement from critics
The statement meant to bar Disney movies from attending end-year awards was released on November 3 and was published on The Times. It read that Times had covered business dealings between the City of Anaheim and Disney and on knowing about this exposition, Disney took measures to black out The Times. This action by Disney was translated to mean a violation of free press and would set a dangerous precedent if all stakeholders went silent. This coming at a time when journalists are facing hostility is a step that would further heighten the threat to open press that many are fighting to strengthen.
It is upon Disney to explain its action against the critics who, according to the company, have been lately taking action that might penalize artists for decisions that are beyond their control. Artists included, the statement released by Disney should concern everyone as it is a threat to free press.
Delayed review
On Friday, L.A. Times claimed that their review of Thor: Ragnarok delayed due to the decision by Disney to bar advance screenings from critics. What Disney commented about the articles covering its involvement with Anaheim is that the whole message shared is a disregard of basic journalism, but the group did not issue further statement to clearly what parts of the criticism were in effect working against basic standards of journalism. Disney had told Times they would not be allowed to issue their comments on Coco and Star Wars: The Last Jedi until theaters are opened. These restrictions were also placed on press release messages and interviews with Time’s employees.
Disney in their defense said Times issued a review that was motivated by politics and that would not amount to competent journalism. Had Disney not chosen to punish The Times, the action by the critics to pursue an action that would bar them from the awards would not ensue. Experts are of the opinion that Disney should have expressed its disagreements in a professional manner as opposed to the brutal response that led to the widespread uproar. Going public to discuss the review done by L.A. Times was a misinformed decision that might cost them a chance to take part in end-year awards. Despite lifting ban on critics and LA Times, Disney is yet to know its fate as regards end-year awards.
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