Free Enterprise Action Fund Presents a Political Contributions Shareholder Proposal at Disney Annual Meeting
Free Enterprise Action Fund Presents a Political Contributions Shareholder Proposal at Disney Annual Meeting
Disney CEO Outs Politics Ahead of Profits, Mutual Fund Says
WASHINGTON, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Free Enterprise Action Fund (Ticker: FEAOX) is presenting a shareholder proposal at the Walt Disney Company annual meeting today to increase transparency regarding Disney's political contributions. The FEAOX believes that Disney CEO Bob Iger's refusal to sell the DVD of ABC-TV miniseries "The Path to 9/11" evidences his liberal political views that conflict with shareholders interests.
"Bob Iger's refusal to sell the DVD or its distribution rights of the seven-time Emmy-nominated ABC-TV miniseries seems to indicate that his liberal political views come before shareholder interests," said Tom Borelli of Action Fund Management, investment adviser to the FEAOX. "We believe that Iger's actions demonstrate an arrogant disregard for his fiduciary responsibility to shareholders," added Borelli.
"Not only has Disney failed to sell the DVD, rejected inquires from distributor Lionsgate and ignored repeated requests from Action Fund Management to negotiate the purchase of the film's distribution rights, Iger and the board of directors have stonewalled every opportunity to earn money from this project, the FEAOX says. Given that Disney share price is down about 50 percent during the last six months and the company is laying-off employees, it's irresponsible for Iger to dismiss legitimate offers to profit from the film," said Borelli.
"Despite the downturn in Disney share price, Iger is being richly rewarded by the board for his poor leadership - his fiscal 2008 compensation package valued at $51.1 million," Borelli added.
The FEAOX is concerned that the political views of Disney CEO Bob Iger may be a key factor in Disney's decision not to sell the DVD. Iger is a long time contributor to the Democratic Party and to Hillary Clinton.
Leading Democratic politicians, Clinton supporters and other left-wing political activists launched a successful intimidation campaign against the broadcast of the miniseries -- which was based on the 9/11 Commission Report -- because they felt the program made the Clinton Administration look weak on terror. Apparently, to appease these critics, Disney edited the program before it aired in 2006 and has since refused to sell its DVD version -- even though Disney lost $40 million on the project.
Disney can't claim the controversial nature of "The Path to 9/11" as a reason to not profit from the film. Disney profited from Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" -- a highly politicized view of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. According to Slate, Disney "booked a $46 million net profit" while "it paid Moore a stunning $21 million" for his documentary.
"Given that Disney found a way to make money from 'Fahrenheit 9/11' but not from 'The Path to 9/11' indicates a political bias on behalf of Disney management," said Borelli.
The political contribution shareholder proposal asks the company to report to shareholders on the policies and procedures for political contributions made with corporate funds. Transparency will allow shareholders an opportunity to determine if company assets are being used to compliment Iger's political views which can harm the long-term interests of Disney and its shareholders.
By investing in the FEAOX (http://www.feaox.com/), individuals can participate in the global warming debate while having an opportunity to earn a financial return through ownership of a large-cap mutual fund. With a minimum investment of $2,500, individuals can join FEAOX's effort to make CEOs justify their positions on global warming. FEAOX is available exclusively through Northern Lights Distributors LLC, (applications may be obtained at http://www.feaox.com/how.html), and through E*Trade Financial, Scottrade, TD Ameritrade and HSBC.
Mutual Funds involve risk including the possible loss of principal.
An investor should consider the Free Enterprise Action Fund's investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. This and other information about the Funds is contained in the fund's prospectus, which can be obtained by calling 1-800-766-3960. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
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Source: Free Enterprise Action Fund
CONTACT: Dave Mohel, +1-703-548-1160, dave@advocacyink.com, for Free
Enterprise Action Fund
Web Site: http://www.freeenterpriseactionfund.com/
Profile: International Entertainment
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