Karey Burke to Lead ABC as Channing Dungey Departs

Karey Burke, head of Freeform original programming development, has been appointed president of ABC Entertainment as Channing Dungey steps down from the position.

In her new role, Burke will be in charge of all development, programming, casting, marketing, business affairs and scheduling operations for ABC prime time and late-night. Following the 21st Century Fox acquisition, she will work under Dana Walden, chairman of Disney Television Studios and Entertainment.

Burke has been serving as executive VP of programming and development at Freeform since October 2014. Before joining the channel, she co-created Dark Toy Entertainment and was a partner in Katalyst Films. She started her career as a comedy development assistant at NBC.

Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of 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.”

Iger 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.”

Burke noted: “I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful team at ABC and look forward to working with them to create groundbreaking and memorable television together. ABC is a beloved brand, and I am honored to continue the legacy left by Channing of excellent storytelling that touches so many people’s hearts. As for Freeform, we are coming off our strongest and most profitable year yet, and I am deeply proud of our bold, inclusive programming and brand. Moreover, the team at Freeform is as good as they come. I will miss them massively and will be cheering them on loudly from down the street.”

Dungey added: “I’m incredibly proud of what the team and 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. But knowing that Karey is taking over, a person that I like and respect so deeply, makes passing the baton a lot easier. I know that, together, under Peter and Dana’s leadership, they are going to achieve great things and I will be rooting for their success.”