Latest in Disney-ABC Television Group

Tamron Hall’s new syndicated daytime talk show has increased its coverage in the U.S. with 24 Hearst Television markets joining the previously announced ABC Owned Television Stations Group for a fall 2019 launch. The stations include WCVB-TV Boston, WMOR-TV Tampa, WESH-TV Orlando, KCRA-TV Sacramento, WTAE-TV…

Disney’s reorganized ad-sales efforts bore fruit in the upfront marketplace, with double-digit CPM gains at ABC and high-single-digit increases at ESPN and Freeform. The company did not comment on the results, but sources say revenue showed high-single-digit increases across the board on ABC as well as cable and kids…

With a new corporate structure in place designed to stimulate sales, ABC execs made the case that the company’s networks are more integrated and potent than ever. In a sign of increasing integration of TV network brands, Freeform joined the upfront mix for the first time. Rita Ferro, ad sales president at Disney-ABC…

Game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and viral video showcase series RightThisMinute have been renewed through the 2018-2019 season on ABC owned stations. Hosted by Chris Harrison, Millionaire is in its 16th season in national syndication. RightThisMinute, a compilation of viral videos and the stories behind clips…

Disney-ABC Television Group has hired Martin Keely to be its top digital exec, serving as executive vice president, product and technology. Reporting to president of business operations Bruce Rosenblum, Keely will oversee all aspects of the TV group’s digital media strategy and products across non-linear and emerging…

Industry vet Mike Napodano has been hired as chief technology officer for Disney|ABC Television Group. In his new role, Napodano will oversee the DATG's long-term technology vision and implementation. He also will be responsible for media operations and distribution, network operations and engineering, IT strategy and…

Nielsen’s ongoing efforts to measure viewing of video content across screens and devices–which have hit a few bumps as the stakes have gotten higher for the TV business–are taking a significant step forward with the offering of a syndicated solution for viewing on subscription video on demand. Specifically, that means…

EDITOR’S NOTE: We’ll be updating as more media industry donations come in, so refresh for the latest. 4th UPDATE, 7:55 AM: Add Ellen DeGeneres and Walmart to the growing list of those donating to Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. During an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show to air September 7, DeGeneres presented a…

At the Disney-ABC upfront presentation last month Sales President Rita Ferro vowed to “do better" following a year of declining ratings. And the company suggests today that advertisers believe it will: Disney says that it has “increased volume and CPMs” in its first effort to sell inventory across its media…

ABC kicked off its upfront presentation to advertisers today acknowledging its ratings shortcomings in the current season — but vowing to improve the impact of sales by packaging spots on network shows with ad opportunities in other Disney properties. With numbers for 18-to-49 year olds down vs. last year, ABC has…

Sonia Coleman, Disney’s former VP of Corporate Human Resources, has moved to the Disney | ABC Television Group as SVP of Human Resources. Coleman replaces Steve Milovich, who, after 40 years in the industry and 15 years with The Walt Disney Company, announced his plans to retire in March. In her new position, Coleman…

Kelly Ripa, who has spent the past year as the only permanent host of her syndicated Live With Kelly, tweeted a video today teasing a cohost announcement on tomorrow’s show. “Tune in tomorrow, trust me,” she says in the clip (watch it below), sipping from a mug inscribed with her name and a large question mark. The…