Broadcasting & Cable reports that the ABC affiliates board is pleased with the selection of ABC News president Ben Sherwood to replace Anne Sweeney as the president of Disney/ABC Television Group:
Both Sherwood’s promotion to co-chairman, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group (he officially starts in February), and ABC’s concerns with ongoing primetime shortfalls were significant topics of discussion when the board met in Las Vegas April 8.
“Ben Sherwood is a great friend and supporter of the affiliates,” said Mike Devlin, chairman. “It was a fascinating and intriguing decision, and we have a lot of support for that move.”
AdvertisementThe meeting also included a “good, candid discussion” about primetime, and how to draw more viewers—a frequent topic in the affiliates board’s meeting with the network each year in Vegas. ABC showed the board members a few snippets of its development slate. “We got a look forward at the pilot process,” said Devlin, WFAA Dallas president and general manager. “It was a great conversation with the network.”