Dungey steps down at ABC as Burke takes the reins

Ahead of Disney’s completion of the 21^st Century Fox acquisition, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey (pictured) has made the decision to step down and will be succeeded by Freeform originals head Karey Burke.

Dungey, who has been with the business for 14 years, has shepherded a wide range of award-winning programming for ABC including The Good Doctor, The Rookie, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and Designated Survivor.

More recently, Dungey played a key role in cancelling Roseanne at the peak of its ratings on ABC earlier this year, after its star Roseanne Barr sent a controversial tweet about a former staffer under President Obama, Valerie Jarrett.

She will stay through a transition period as Burke assumes the new role.

Burke, who is the VP of original programming development at Freeform, will now be responsible for all development, programming, casting, marketing, business affairs and scheduling operations for ABC prime time and late-night.

On completion of Disney’s Fox acquisition, Burke will report to Dana Walden, chairman at Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment. It has not yet been revealed who will replace her at Freeform.

Burke has been overseeing programming development at Freeform since October 2014. During her tenure, she had great success building on Freeform’s foundation, with titles such as Grown-ish and Siren.

Prior to joining the network, Burke partnered with director Todd Holland (Malcolm in the Middle) in Dark Toy Entertainment, which they created in 2010, producing Free Agents for NBC, as well as Matthew Perry’s comedy Go On.

Dungey said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the team and what 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, whom I will miss enormously.”

Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, 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.”

He continued: “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.”