ABC (TV network)

ABC (TV network)
Name	ABC
Country	United States
Headquarters	Burbank, California
Owner	The Walt Disney Company
Key people	Craig Erwich (President, ABC Entertainment)
Founded	12 October 1943
Picture format	1080i (HDTV), 720p (HDTV)
Language	English
Former names	NBC Blue Network (1943–1945)
Website	abc.com

ABC (TV network). The American Broadcasting Company is a major commercial television network in the United States and a flagship property of The Walt Disney Company. Founded from the former NBC Blue Network, it has grown into one of the "Big Three" television networks alongside CBS and NBC. Known for iconic programming like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Grey's Anatomy, it operates a vast system of affiliated stations across the country and has been a significant force in news, sports, and entertainment broadcasting for decades.

History

The network's origins trace to the NBC Blue Network, a radio service created by the Radio Corporation of America. In 1943, under an order from the Federal Communications Commission to divest one of its two networks, RCA sold the Blue Network to Edward J. Noble, the creator of Life Savers candy. It was officially renamed the American Broadcasting Company in 1945. The network struggled financially in its early years against the dominance of CBS and NBC, but a pivotal merger with United Paramount Theatres in 1953 provided crucial capital. Under the leadership of Leonard Goldenson, ABC aggressively pursued color broadcasting and targeted younger audiences with programming like The Mickey Mouse Club. Landmark deals in the 1990s, including the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC by The Walt Disney Company in 1996, solidified its modern corporate structure.

Programming

ABC's programming strategy has historically focused on family-oriented entertainment and innovative formats. It found early success with westerns like The Lone Ranger and family sitcoms such as The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. The network revolutionized television with the creation of the Walt Disney's Disneyland anthology series and later dominated ratings with hits like Happy Days and Charlie's Angels. In the 21st century, ABC became known for popular dramas including Lost, Desperate Housewives, and the long-running Grey's Anatomy, as well as reality competition shows led by Dancing with the Stars. Its news division, ABC News, produces flagship programs like Good Morning America and World News Tonight.

Affiliates and stations

ABC's national reach is achieved through a system of over 200 affiliated television stations. The network owns and operates eight stations in major markets including WABC-TV in New York City, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, and WLS-TV in Chicago. These O&O stations are located in the top U.S. media markets and are crucial for broadcasting network programming and local news. Many affiliates are owned by large station groups such as Sinclair Broadcast Group, Nexstar Media Group, and Hearst Television. The network's affiliation agreements have seen significant changes, such as the 1994 switch of several major stations from CBS to ABC, orchestrated by the New World Communications group.

Operations and business

As a division of The Walt Disney Company, ABC operates alongside other Disney media units like Disney Television Studios and ESPN. Its business model relies on advertising revenue from its broadcast schedule and fees from cable and satellite providers for its affiliated stations. Key assets include the ABC Television Network, production studios, and the ABC Owned Television Stations group. The network also has significant digital operations through ABC.com and the ABC app, offering streaming of its content. Major revenue streams are supplemented by lucrative rights to broadcast events like the Academy Awards and NBA Finals.

Ratings and viewership

Historically third in the ratings among the major networks, ABC has experienced periods of dominance, particularly in the late 1970s with shows like Three's Company and in the early 2000s with the phenomenon of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Its news program Good Morning America has frequently competed for first place with NBC's Today. Seasonal ratings are heavily influenced by its slate of primetime programming and special event broadcasts. The network's viewership demographics have traditionally skewed toward female audiences, especially with its successful lineup of dramas from producer Shonda Rhimes, known as TGIT.

Criticism and controversies

The network has faced various criticisms over its history, including accusations of ideological bias in its news coverage from both conservative and liberal commentators. Its entertainment division has been involved in controversies over program content, such as the moral panic surrounding the 1977 miniseries Roots and debates over the portrayal of family values in shows like Modern Family. ABC News has been criticized for high-profile errors, including a 2004 report by 20/20 on the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth controversy. The network's ownership by The Walt Disney Company has also led to scrutiny over corporate influence on news and entertainment content.

Category:American television networks Category:American Broadcasting Company Category:Companies based in Los Angeles County, California