Disney is notorious for their theme parks and feature films but Disney's corporate arm reaches far beyond these. In fact, Disney's influence, particularly in reference to its control of the media has had some very adverse effects for the company. Twice, Disney has been accused of canceling programs on ABC primetime shows, like "20/20," which brought into question some of Disney's dealings. The "20/20" show made reference to Disney's questionable connection to the Kathie Lee Gifford, sweatshop scandal as well as to Disney's lack of attention to hiring convicted pedophiles. Clearly, Disney's influence in the media world directly affects the information distributed to the general population. For more Disney controversies click here

Disney Selected Holdings:

• The U.S. ABC television and radio networks;
• Ten U.S. television stations and 21 U.S. radio stations;
• U.S. and global cable television channels Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNews; holdings in Lifetime, A&E, and History channels;
• Americast, interactive TV joint venture with several telephone companies
• Several major film, video, and television production studios including Disney, Miramax, and Buena Vista;
• Magazine and newspaper publishing, through its subsidiaries, Fairchild Publications and Chilton Publications;
• Book publishing, including Hyperion Books and Chilton Publications;
• Several music labels, including Hollywood Records, Mammoth Records and Walt Disney Records;
• Theme Parks and resorts, including Disneyland, Disneyworld and stakes in major theme parks in France and Japan;
• Disney Cruise Line;
• Disney Quest, a chain of high-tech arcade game stores;
• Controlling interests in the NHL Anaheom Mighty Ducks and major baseball's Anaheim Angels;
• Consumer products, including more than 550 Disney retail stores worldwide;

Disney's reach also extends beyond these companies.  From hairdryers to watchboxes, Disney has patented some very desultory products. To see some of these miscellaneous patents that Disney has: