ABC Entertainment President Steve McPherson says the upcoming fall season will be important in getting viewers back to watching TV after the writers strike.
Mr. McPherson sat down with TVWeek deputy editor and columnist Josef Adalian at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Among the topics discussed was NBC’s decision to let go of “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno. Mr. McPherson calls it “an odd business decision.” While speculation continues about where Leno may end up after he leaves NBC in 2009, Mr. McPherson said the network will continue to work with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
As for ABC’s fall strategy, “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy” will continue to be points of focus in maintaining a lead on their respective nights. However, he hopes Wednesday nights, with three returning series, also will record significant ratings.

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