ABC Reorganizes Operations

BURBANK: ABC has integrated the business and operational arms of ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios, while each are to maintain separate creative teams.

A decision was made in January to consolidate ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios into one group, ABC Entertainment Group, with network chief Stephen McPherson as president. Effective immediately, business affairs, business development, casting, program planning and scheduling and distribution for ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios will be combined. Each will keep separate creative teams, but the comedy and drama departments will now handle both development and current series.

Under the new structure, Jeff Bader, the executive VP of planning, scheduling and distribution for ABC Entertainment Group, will take on additional responsibilities of coordinating programming and distribution for ABC Entertainment Group programs across all platforms. Barry Jossen will lead creative production at ABC Studios. Suzanne Patmore-Gibbs is being upped to executive VP of network scripted creative for ABC Entertainment Group.

Mia Rondinella, the VP of ABC Entertainment Group, will identify growth opportunities and develop new business strategies and supervise the business licensing and merchandising activities. Jana Winograde, the executive VP of ABC Entertainment Group’s business affairs and administration, will oversee deals, agreements and general business related to the development and acquisition of all prime-time and late-night programming, marketing and ABC.com.

Senior VPs Vicki Dummer and John Saade continue in their current roles as co-heads of alternative series, specials and late-night at the network, while Keli Lee continues as executive VP of casting. Executive VPs Mike Benson and Marla Provencio continue as co-heads of marketing, all reporting to McPherson, but taking on ABC Entertainment Group titles.

McPherson commented: "The new organization will strengthen our position as a top quality content engine and promote a healthier business model to sustain it. The structural changes we have put in place ensure a cohesive vision from a creative, production and business standpoint, and will make us a stronger, more efficient team more seamlessly focused on common goals."