Shareholders Vote Down Proposal Demanding Disclosure of Disney’s Lobbying Practices

It doesn’t take long to see across Social Media platforms that Disney’s fanbase can appear quite divided politically. Still, one place where suspected common ground could be found is regarding The Walt Disney Company’s practices when it comes to funding politicians and overall lobbying practices.

Related: Shareholders to Let Disney Keep Blind Eye on China’s Human Rights Violations

On March 9, 2022, at its Annual Meeting of the Shareholders, a proposal was brought forward asking that Disney disclose its Lobbying practices to the general shareholders. This was the seventh year in a row such a proposal was brought forward, and once again it was voted down.

According to Disney’s Proxy Statement, the proposal says, in part:

“We believe in full disclosure of Disney’s lobbying activities and expenditures to assess whether Disney’s lobbying is consistent with Disney’s expressed goals and in shareholder interests… the shareholders of Disney request the preparation of a report, updated annually, disclosing: 

1. Company policy and procedures governing lobbying, both direct and indirect, and grassroots lobbying communications. 
2. Payments by Disney used for (a) direct or indirect lobbying or (b) grassroots lobbying communications, in each case including the amount of the payment and the receipt. 
3. Description of management’s decision-making process and the Board’s oversight for making payments described above. 

…the report shall be presented to the Governance and Nominating Committee and posted on Disney’s website.”

Concerns regarding Disney’s financial activities in the political sphere have arisen from fans and shareholders on both sides of the proverbial aisle, from matters concerning China to the recent concern about Disney contributing to Florida state politicians who are supporting the Parental Rights in Education Bill.

The proposal goes on to state that:

“Disney spent $42,965,000 from 2010-2020 on federal lobbying. This does not include state lobbying expenditures, where Disney also lobbies but disclosure is uneven or absent. For example, Disney spent $4,021,464 on lobbying in California from 2010-2020, and Disney’s lobbying in Florida has been described as ‘the 800-pound mouse.’ And Disney also lobbies abroad, spending between €800,000-899,999 on lobbying in Europe for 2020… We are concerned that Disney’s lack of disclosure presents reputational risk when its lobbying contradicts company public position.”

Disney’s Board recommended shareholders vote against the proposal. Arguing their methods of disclosure right now are sufficient, the Board said, in part:

“This is the seventh year this proposal has been presented, and it has failed to obtain majority support in any of its prior submissions. The disagreement here is not over enhancing disclosure of the Company’s policies and involvement in the political and lobbying process, but the details of how it should be achieved. 

In direct response to shareholder feedback requesting enhanced disclosure, from the proponent here and others, the Company has previously enhanced its lobbying disclosure by expanding its scope and more clearly articulating its policy.”

The proposal was not approved, with well over 50% of shareholders voting no. It should be noted, however, that all shareholder proxy voted “no.”

Related: Disney CEO Bob Chapek to meet FL Gov. DeSantis on LGBTQ+ Concerns

Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek previously announced that Disney was already “reassessing” what it called its “advocacy strategies.”

Disney Fanatic will continue to keep our readers updated on Disney news as more stories come to light.