We are already aware that Shonda Rhimes has been killing with her ShondaLand production company that is responsible for ABC’s hit shows “Grey’s Anatomy,” “How To Get Away With Murder,” and “Scandal” so I guess it was only a matter of time for an African American was promoted to a major position at ABC.
Ben Sherwood, co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney|ABC Television Group, announced that Channing Dungey has been named president, ABC Entertainment, succeeding Paul Lee, who has decided to step down as president, ABC Entertainment Group.
Ms. Dungey, who was instrumental in the development and success of such hits as “Scandal,” “Criminal Minds,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Quantico,” “Army Wives” and “Once Upon A Time,” will now report directly to Mr. Sherwood. In addition, Patrick Moran, executive vice president, ABC Studios, will continue to oversee day-to-day operations, and report directly to Mr. Sherwood.
In making the announcement, Mr. Sherwood said, “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.” He continued, “We thank Paul for his many accomplishments at ABC and his devotion to the ABC brand, and we wish him continued success in the future.”
Ms. Dungey added, “I’m thrilled and humbled that Ben has entrusted me with this tremendous opportunity. And I am truly grateful to Paul for being a valued mentor and friend. I’ve had the great honor of working alongside the talented team at ABC for many years and look forward to starting this exciting new chapter with them.”
The funny thing about all of this is that ABC has obviously embraced the role of strong African American female lead in the programming with “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder” so I guess it is only right that they embrace that same dignity and strength in the real world.
Prior to this announcement, Ms. Dungey was executive vice president, Drama Development, Movies & Miniseries, ABC Entertainment Group. In this position ABC Entertainment.
Series Ms. Dungey has developed and launched include “Scandal,” “Quantico,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “American Crime,” “Once Upon A Time,” “Secrets and Lies” and “Nashville.” Prior, ABC Entertainment Group, since June 2009.
Previously Ms. Dungey was vice president, Drama Development, ABC Studios. In that role ABC show “Private Practice,” CBS’s long-running drama “Criminal Minds,” the CW’s “Reaper” and Lifetime’s highest-rated series, “Army Wives.” Ms. Dungey joined ABC Studios in the summer of 2004.
Ms. Dungey began her successful career in entertainment as a development assistant for Davis Entertainment at 20th Century Fox. She then became story editor at Steamroller Productions, where
