Walt Disney Co. said Thursday it would contribute $2 million to the relief and rebuilding effort after Hurricane Sandy, with $1 million going toward the American Red Cross for immediate assistance. The Burbank media and entertainment company also will match employee donations dollar-for-dollar, and it will run public service announcements on its family of networks, including ABC, Radio Disney and ESPN, encouraging viewers to support relief efforts. “It’s hard to fathom the devastation from this storm,” said Chief Executive Robert Iger. “Thousands of people in the hurricane’s path lost everything and face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities back together.” Disney was not the only major media company to announce a major contribution to relief efforts. Viacom Inc.. owner of MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures, pledged $500,000 to the Mayor’s Fund for NYC and another $500,000 to relief for the wider metropolitan area. It also will match up to $1 million in employee donations.
