Sweeney is family's new parent figure.(Programming)(ABC Cable Networks Group chief Anne Sweeney gains total control of ABC Family)

Broadcasting & Cable, October, 2003 by Romano, Allison

Yet again, Disney is trying to work some new magic on ABC Family. The company said last week that ABC Cable Networks Group chief Anne Sweeney is adding all functions of the cable channel to her purview. ABC Family President Angela Shapiro, who had answered to Walt Disney President and COO Robert Iger, now reports to Sweeney.

It is unclear whether Shapiro, who joined Family in April 2002, will stay on. But a spokesperson said Shapiro "continues as the president of ABC Family with the complete support of the company." She is said to have a long-term contract. Under the previous arrangement, Shapiro headed most departments, including programming, marketing and ad sales. At first, she reported to then ABC Television Group President Steven Bornstein,...

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