Disney seeks new frontiers as more people watch video online

NEW YORK (AP) — Disney is seeking new frontiers.

The media company launched its $5-a-month sports streaming service, ESPN Plus, last month, and it signed a deal with Twitter this month to create Marvel, ABC and ESPN content on that service. Meanwhile, Disney is trying to buy much of 21st Century Fox, including the Fox television network and the X-Men movie franchise.

The moves come as Disney seeks ways to extend past the traditional cable-bundle format as more people watch TV online. Sports network ESPN was once a jewel in Disney’s crown but subscriptions have been falling as people drop cable services. But the company has found strength elsewhere, notably its movie studio and theme parks.

Fiscal second quarter net income rose 23 percent, beating expectations. Revenue rose 9 percent, also ahead of expectations