Television is a cherished modern-day global phenomenon. There is nothing like watching the next episode of a show lounging on a comfy recliner coach on a Friday evening. Whether it is Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus or even AppleTV, these streaming platforms provide engaging entertainment.

However, apart from the entertainment prowess, these streaming platforms also make a major difference in global issues. These platforms have collaborated with nonprofits, charities and other organizations, as well as established vigorous company guidelines to aid in downsizing the world’s most formidable challenges. Among all these global issues, poverty has been a critical focus. Below are two streaming platforms that have made various prolific efforts against poverty.

Netflix

Netflix, the top streaming platform, prioritizes poverty awareness. Through its Employee Giving Program, it doubles employee donations to global charities, reinforcing its commitment to address and alleviate social issues. Additionally, in 2022, Netflix implemented a policy allowing employees to donate time by volunteering. As a result, Netflix donated a total of $34 million to more than 5,000 charities across the globe.

Disney Plus

Disney+, under The Walt Disney Company, contributes to the global poverty crisis. Investing in the Wildlife Conservation Society, Disney supports Cambodia’s Keo Seima forest, preserving cultural heritage for 2,500 Bunong households, ensuring access to essentials and improving water quality for more than 4,000 residents.

In 2020-2021, Disney provided funding to the FIRST initiative that helped the STEM program provide education to 318,000 underrepresented students globally. Additionally, its 2021 First Book donation program distributed 4.5 million books to children facing poverty. Disney’s commitment to energy efficiency is evident through initiatives like the Castaway Cay solar array, powering 70% of the island and Hong Kong Disneyland, the city’s largest solar panel site with more than 5,000 panels. Disney Parks’ $24 million investment in renewable energy over the last 15 years is also an example of the Group’s commitment to making energy more affordable and sustainable.

Disney and UNICEF

Nevertheless, Disney’s greatest impact on poverty lies in its perennial partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The partnership, which was formalized in 1990, is dedicated to creating a brighter future for underprivileged children worldwide. Over the years, Disney and UNICEF have successfully planned and executed many projects in light of this cause.

In 2014, these groups partnered with Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) Brazil and Instituto Esporte and Educação (IEE) to support the Sports Caravan program in Brazil. This program allows underprivileged children and adolescents to get access to education and sports through the aid of coaches, athletes and local institutes/organizations. Disney donated more than $1.9 million over three years for 15 Brazilian communities to operate this program. Further, collaborative initiatives in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Haiti and Mexico demonstrate Disney and UNICEF’s shared mission in uplifting impoverished children globally.

Join the Fight

Disney Plus and Netflix, along with other streaming platforms, go beyond entertainment. They are organizations with a mission to address global issues like poverty. While these companies alone cannot eliminate poverty, with the support of more parties, there is hope for achieving more progress.

– Sai Sidharth Kanyaboena
Photo: Unsplash