Disney plans to start streaming services

Disney, the world’s largest entertainment company, outlined plans Tuesday to sell some of its premiere content directly to consumers online starting next year. It’ll offer live sports and animated films including “Toy Story 4,” sidestepping partners from Netflix to pay-TV providers like Comcast and DirecTV.

“If you look at Disney’s businesses, except for the theme parks, virtually all of the businesses touch consumers through third parties, everything from big box retailers to the owners of motion-picture theaters,” Disney’s chief executive officer said in an interview on Bloomberg TV. “This is an opportunity to reach the consumer directly.”

The need for Disney to