Logo

Variety

Channing Dungey Exits ABC; New Network President Named

Nov 16, 2018  •  Post A Comment

ABC has a new network president after Channing Dungey, the first African American to lead a U.S. broadcast network, exited her role as president of ABC Entertainment, Variety reports.

Karey Burke, head of original programming for Freeform, has been named to replace her.

“Dungey’s departure comes as corporate parent Disney prepares for a massive overhaul of its television business units tied to the pending acquisition of 21st Century Fox,” Variety notes. “Last month, Disney announced that Fox executive Peter Rice would take over the entirety of Disney’s non-sports TV operations, with fellow Fox veteran Dana Walden tapped to oversee ABC, Freeform, and Disney’s television-studio operations. The arrangement would have seen Dungey report to Walden, who had been co-head of Fox Broadcasting and 20th Century Fox Television.”

Disney CEO Bob Iger commented: “I’m grateful to Channing for her significant contributions and unwavering dedication to the success of ABC over the past 14 years. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to work with and mentor Channing; her curiosity, passion and creativity will ensure she is successful in whatever path she chooses going forward.”

Iger is also quoted saying of Burke: “Over the past four years at Freeform, and throughout her career, Karey has proven herself a gifted leader with a strong track record of developing unique programming. Karey’s attention to, and intimate knowledge of, the audience, and a commitment to quality will be a great addition to the creative team at ABC.”

One Comment

  1. Bravo, bravo, bravo! This is the best news I’ve heard since Channing Dungey cancelled Roseanne on May 29th, and found the decision to steal 1/2 hour of laughter per week from 25 million viewers “… not that difficult.” That show was a delicate balance of talents. She destroyed that balance, and the trust the actors and crew had for each other. It can never be replaced. I’m so glad ABC found the decision to replace Channing Dung-Heap “not that difficult” as well!

Leave a Reply to Laura Cancel Reply

Email (will not be published)