Liberty Media's John Malone on Thursday downplayed the risks of "cord-cutting" in the television industry. But "Fast Money" traders believe the consumer shift to on-demand and streaming platforms poses a bigger challenge than he described.
Some traders contended Walt Disney looks expensive in the current TV environment. Earlier this year, Disney CEO Bob Iger sent concerns through the industry when he warned about growth at some of the company's cable properties.
"Disney is a 'sell' up here" after rising more than 20 percent this year, said trader Brian Kelly. Trader Karen Finerman, who called Disney a "great company," added that she would stay away from the stock because of its valuation.
If consumers continue to turn away from traditional cable, "Netflix is the place to be," contended trader David Seaburg. Still, the meteoric rise of its shares—which have climbed 123 percent this year—has scared some investors away.
Read MoreNetflix CEO Reed Hastings: Why I take 6 weeks' vacation
Trader Dan Nathan contended Time Warner—which holds popular series produced by HBO—is a better play on content than Netflix, especially because of its valuation. The stock has fallen nearly 18 percent this year.
Disclosures:
Dan Nathan
Dan is long AMAT Jan call spread, BA Oct put spread, CSCO Jan calls, EEM Dec put spread, INTC Dec put spread, M long Jan calls, XLF Dec put spread, IWM Dec put spread, XLI Dec put spread, XLU Dec call spread, TWTR March call spread, TWTR
David Seaburg
Opinions expressed by David Seaburg are solely his own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Cowen Group, Inc
Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly is long BBRY, GLD, Bitcoin, Hong Kong Dollar, US Dollar; he is short Yuan, British Pound, Candaian Dollar, Euro, Yen, EEM, EWC, EWH, EWU, EWG, SPY
Karen Finerman
Karen is long BAC, C, FL, GOOG, GOOGL, JPM, KORS, KORS call spreads, M, URI, she is short SPY, Her firm is long ANTM, AAPL, BAC, C, DIS, DIS puts, FL, GOOG, GOOGL, GPS, JPM, KORS, KORS call spreads, M, M calls, M call spreads, M puts, MA, SUNE, SUNE call spreads, URI, URI long puts, WFM her firm is short IWM, SPY, MDY, USO, XRT, Karen Finerman is on the board of GrafTech International.