The Business of Television : ABC

ABC to Air New 'Ted' Episodes in June

News — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:37:20 GMT

"Better Off Ted" is getting some summer exposure. ABC today said that it will begin airing new episodes of the first-year comedy Tuesday, June 23 at 9 p.m. The show has been on hiatus since May 5. Six episodes from the first season of "Ted"...(read more)

Fox Wins 5th Straight Season in Key 18-49 Demo

News — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:40:00 GMT

Fox and CBS did it again. For the 2008-09 TV season, Fox has officially claimed its fifth consecutive ratings win among adults 18-49, while CBS wrapped up the season as the most-watched broadcast network for the sixth time in the last seven years. It...(read more)

Broadcast Networks Holding Firm on Upfront Ad Pricing

News — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:36:24 GMT

With the television industry slogging through the worst economy in decades, the broadcast networks put their best foot forward at the upfront, then braced for long negotiations with media buyers and advertisers. “I’m surprised by how normal everything...(read more)

Kimmel Quips as ABC Touts Power of Broadcast TV to Ad Buyers

News — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:33:00 GMT

Like Fox on Monday, ABC on Tuesday went before advertisers and media buyers to pitch the mighty power of broadcast TV and show off some of the new shows that will be on its fall schedule. “Television is the strongest advertising medium available today...(read more)

ABC Upfront Press Release: Schedule and Shows

News — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:33:46 GMT

Excerpts of ABC's press release appear below: Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. However, “Shark Tank” will premiere over the summer following the special 10th-anniversary primetime return of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and...(read more)

ABC Unveils '09-'10 Slate at Upfront

News — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:51:26 GMT

ABC is making some big moves in the fall, launching an all-new comedy night and slotting buzz drama "Flash Forward" in the key 8 p.m. Thursday time slot. Other big plays include a new Mark Burnett reality show, "Shark Tank," Tuesdays...(read more)

ABC Wants Viewers to Feel Right at Home

News — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:21:00 GMT

After spending the last few years telling viewers to “Start Here,” ABC this week will begin telling viewers just where “here” is. During its upfront presentation to advertisers Tuesday, the network will unveil a massive new on-air promotional campaign...(read more)

ABC's Main Man McPherson

News — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Steve McPherson is fired up. Along with the rest of the TV industry, Mr. McPherson, president of the ABC Entertainment Group, has struggled through tough times during the past 18 months. He’s had to try to develop new hits while slogging through the twin...(read more)

Upfront Digital Ad Sales Primed to Rise

News — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:25:00 GMT

With the majority of the networks’ upfront presentations still a few weeks away, it’s difficult to predict when advertisers will start spending on television and online buys. But digital executives at most of the broadcast networks are optimistic that...(read more)

CBS Gains in Sweeps Period; Fox Remains on Top

News — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:05:00 GMT

For the first two weeks of the May sweeps, CBS is the only broadcast television network posting year-over-year gains among total viewers. The network is also the only one to avoid any losses among adults 18-49, the demographic still led by Fox. Among...(read more)

Disney’s Fiscal Q2 Profit Drops 46%

News — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:14:33 GMT

Walt Disney’s fiscal second-quarter profit fell 46%, with a slight drop in earnings from its media networks unit overshadowed by plunging profit from its studio entertainment and parks and resorts operations. Disney’s operating profit from media networks...(read more)

ABC, CBS, NBC to Air Obama; Fox, No

News — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:01:30 GMT

Fox has decided not to air President Obama's first-100-days press conference this Wednesday—the only Big Four network to turn down the White House's request for time. ABC, CBS and NBC have all announced plans to carry the president's appearance...(read more)

Grading the Networks

News — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:48:00 GMT

After the strike-induced tumult and turmoil of last season, broadcasters were praying things would somehow take a turn for the better during the 2008-09 campaign. It didn’t happen. With less than a month left to go before this season ends, four of the...(read more)

ABC’s Summer Lineup Features News, Entertainment Specials

News — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:13:53 GMT

ABC News will air several specials this summer, including “Earth 2100” and “J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life.” The special about “Harry Potter” author Rowling will air July 16, while “Earth 2100” airs June 2. ABC News also will explore the topics of money...(read more)

ABC Renews Staples of Thursday, Sunday Lineups, Axes ‘Samantha’

News — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:52:54 GMT

“Ugly Betty” remains in vogue at ABC. The network Thursday renewed the Thursday night dramedy as part of a mass pickup of a dozen staples of the ABC schedule. Also greenlit for the 2009-10 season: “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “The Bachelor,” “Brothers...(read more)