Words by: Rashad Grove
After two years of being at the post of ABC Entertainment, Channing Dungey is leaving her role at the Disney-owned broadcast network. Her exit comes as an influx of FOX personnel has jumped ship to ABC. At ABC Entertainment, Dungey became the first African American woman to lead a major U.S. TV network.
According to Entertainment Weekly, in a statement announcing the news on Friday, Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger said, “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. 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.”
Dungey, a graduate from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, has been employed at ABC since 2004 where she worked as head of drama. She was hired as president on February 17, 2016, as the replacement for Paul Lee. Under Dungey’s leadership, ABC Studio produced hit shows such as Criminal Minds, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Quantico, Nashville, Army Wives and Once Upon A Time.
Dungey launched into the national spotlight as she gave the green light to the Rosanne reboot and then for abruptly cancelling the show due to the racist statements made by the star of the sitcom.
