President of ABC Entertainment, Channing Dungey, is stepping down after less than three years in the role.
- As Deadline reports, Dungey will be leaving her current post, with Freeform head of original programming development Karey Burke taking the reins.
- Dungey will remain with the company through the transition period.
- Meanwhile, a replacement for Burke at Freeform will be announced at a later date.
- This news comes ahead of Disney’s proposed acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets.
- After that transaction is complete, Fox’s Dana Walden will oversee ABC, ABC Studios and Freeform.
- Deadline notes that Dungey had once been rumored to be taking on a larger role at the merged Disney/Fox following a strong track record at ABC.
- Once that proved not to be the case, speculation about her potential departure began.
- Perhaps the memorable episode in Dungey’s tenure was the decision to cancel Roseanne after tweets from the show’s star. Dungey later greenlit the spinoff The Conners, which currently airs on the network.
What they’re saying
- Channing Dungey: “I’m incredibly proud of what the team and I have accomplished over the years, and all the meaningful and impactful programming we’ve developed. This job has been the highlight of my career. While I’ve loved every moment, and knew I could call ABC home for many years to come, I’m excited to tackle new challenges. The toughest thing about this choice is leaving all the immensely talented people I’ve grown to admire and care for, from Bob Iger, the best leader and mentor that anyone could have; to my peers and colleagues; to my talented team, who I will miss enormously. But knowing that Karey is taking over, a person that I like and respect so deeply, makes passing the baton a lot easier. I know that, together, under Peter and Dana’s leadership, they are going to achieve great things and I will be rooting for their success.”
- Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company on Dungey’s departure: “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 on the promotion of Karey 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.”