Disney's venture into pro-team ownership is examined by
Starr & Reno in the current NEWSWEEK. While owning the
Angels and Mighty Ducks "is at the heart of [its] burgeoning
sports empire," Disney, "one of the ultimate bottom-line
companies, seems unprepared for a business in which the
bottom line is winning." Starr & Reno: "Clever marketing,
pretty uniforms and showbiz glitz can't mask a lack of
talent. Moreover, what is routine in today's pro-sports
game -- salary disputes, firings, drug problems -- has
produced a succession of public-relations debacles for
image-conscious Disney." Anaheim Sports Dir of
Communications Bill Robertson: "There were bound to be some
bumps in the road" (NEWSWEEK, 12/22 issue).
JUST WIN, BABY? Starr & Reno write that much of
Disney's approach "appears to revolve around distractions."
At Angels games, "they have ranged from a Dixieland band to
cheerleaders dancing on the dugout. And at the Pond, Ducks
fans are treated to (or endure) explosions, animation, duck
calls and a mascot, Wild Wing, sort of a Gen-X version of
Donald Duck, who descends from the roof." Ducks fan Rob
Bernard: "They do everything they can to make you forget
you're at a hockey game." Ducks attendance "is slumping and
a small group of season-ticket holders has organized
protests against management." Disney counters its critics
by saying it is being held to a "higher standard" than other
owners and that its teams are progressing (NEWSWEEK, 12/22).
STANDING O: In his first game back on Friday after
ending his holdout, the Mighty Ducks' Paul Kariya received a
30-second standing ovation from the sellout crowd during
introductions (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 12/13).
