ABC Has Named the First Black Person to Run a Broadcast Network

Today Channing Dungey was announced new chief of the network.

Image via ABC

With former ABC Entertainment president Paul Lee stepping down, the network, which is responsible for a slate of Shondaland shows, has named its new chief today: Channing Dungey. This is a monumental moment not just for ABC, but for all American broadcast networks, as Dungey is the first African-American person (and woman) to hold that title. Previously, Dungey was ABC's executive VP of drama, meaning she developed shows including Scandal, Quantico, CriminalMindsArmy WivesOnce Upon a Time, and How to Get Away With Murder. She's been with the company for over a decade.

In her new role Dungey now reports directly to Ben Sherwood, the co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group. Sherwood said in the announcement, "Channing is a gifted leader and a proven magnet for top creative talent, with an impressive record of developing compelling, breakthrough programming that resonates with viewers." Dungey and former president Lee both had a big hand in diversifying the network's slate over the past few years, but the latter apparently disagreed with Sherwood on many issues regarding the network's expansion.

Here's to great things to come from ABC Entertainment under Dungey's reign. 

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