OVITZ OUT AS NUMBER TWO CHEESE FOR THE MOUSE

          MICHAEL OVITZ was "abruptly left" as President of the
     Walt Disney Co., according to Paul Fahri of the WASHINGTON
     POST.  Disney said Ovitz was leaving by "mutual consent" and
     doesn't immediately have plans to replace him (WASHINGTON
     POST, 12/13).  In New York, Paul Tharp notes during his time
     at Disney, Ovitz "didn't have much to do," and was busy with
     "marginal projects" such as a "scheme" to buy the Lakers
     that "went nowhere."  His efforts to buy the Seahawks
     "collapsed" (N.Y. POST, 12/13).  In a statement, Ovitz said,
     "[Disney Chair] Michael Eisner has been my good friend for
     more than 25 years, and that will not change.  But it is
     important to recognize when something is not working.  I
     hope that my decision to leave will eliminate an unnecessary
     distraction" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 12/13).