Channing Dungey has replaced Paul Lee as ABC Entertainment President to become the first African-American to ever head programming at a major broadcast network. She will report to Disney/ABC Television President Ben Sherwood.
"Channing is a gifted leader and a proven magnet for top creative talent, with an impressive record of developing compelling, breakthrough programming that resonates with viewers," Sherwood said in a statement. "We thank Paul for his many accomplishments at ABC and his devotion to the ABC brand, and we wish him continued success in the future."
Lee stepped down from his post on Wednesday. Following his 2010 transition from ABC Family, Lee helped the network to embrace a more diverse programming slate with shows like "Scandal," "How to Get Away with Murder," "Black-ish" and "Fresh Off the Boat."
"Leading ABC has been a fantastic experience. I'm especially proud of the incredible team I built and the strategic, creative vision we established and successfully executed for both the network and studio," Lee said in a statement.
But an internal struggle between him and Sherwood may have been the greatest influence for Lee's decision to leave the network, according to The New York Times. Sherwood became Lee's direct boss last year and "demanded more creative involvement," which Lee resisted.
Sherwood also wanted to focus more on procedurals that have made CBS the most-watched network rather than serialized dramas like John Ridley's anthology series "American Crime." Despite its critical successes, the network still languished in third place for much of Lee's reign.
Dungey, formerly executive VP of drama at ABC, joined the network in 2009. She is credited for developing the Shonda Rhimes' hits "Scandal" and "How to Get Away with Murder" and conceiving the idea of TGIT, the ABC's Thursday night lineup that includes all three Shondaland productions including "Grey's Anatomy," Variety reports.
"I'm thrilled and humbled that Ben has entrusted me with this tremendous opportunity. And I am truly grateful to Paul for being a valued mentor and friend. I've had the great honor of working alongside the talented team at ABC for many years and look forward to starting this exciting new chapter with them," she said in statement.
Dungey is also the sister of actress Merrin Dungey, whose credits include "Once Upon a Time," "Alias" and "King of Queens."
