NEW ABC HEAD NAMED DISNEY SHIFTS BOSS OF FAILED WEB ARM TO TV.Byline: Jesse Hiestand Staff Writer BURBANK - Steven M. Bornstein returned to broadcasting Tuesday when he was named president of ABC Television ABC Television may refer to:
Bornstein, 48, had held several top positions at the network, part of The Walt Disney Noun 1. Walt Disney - United States film maker who pioneered animated cartoons and created such characters as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck; founded Disneyland (1901-1966) Disney, Walter Elias Disney Co., before taking the helm of Disney's Internet business when its prospects were bright enough to justify the separate trading of its stock. The dot-com crash forced Disney to buy back the Internet venture in February and slash tech jobs, but Bornstein did not take the fall. ``I don't think Disney wanted to lose him to another company,'' said analyst David Miller David Miller could refer to any of the following:
Bornstein replaces Robert F. Callahan, who had been president of ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. Broadcast Group since April 2000. Callahan, 49, is leaving for personal reasons that require him to move to the East Coast, Disney officials said. Callahan will remain at ABC through September. ``Bob has served ABC and The Walt Disney Co. exceptionally well and has made significant contributions to our growth and success,'' said Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Michael Eisner. Bornstein was instrumental in turning ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network into a leading brand in sports programming, Eisner said. In the Internet business, he helped launch services like Enhanced TV and wireless applications. ``Steve has a rare combination of experience in old and new media,'' said Robert A. Iger, president and chief operating officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. at Disney. Bornstein will now oversee the ABC Television Network, ABC's 10 owned television stations, and Buena Vista Television, a provider of syndicated programs. He comes at a time when the most pressing challenge to ABC and other networks is a slumping advertising market brought on by a weak economy, Miller said. Also, one of the network's top sources of revenue, ``Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?'' has lost ground in the ratings. Disney might now move to buy a station group since most of its stations throughout the country are affiliates owned by other companies, Miller said. ``One of the roles he'll take is the possible expansion of Disney's owned-and-operated stations,'' Miller said. ``Disney's station group, for its size, is rather small because it hasn't been a priority for Disney.'' Bornstein began his career at ESPN in 1980 as manager of programming. He later served as president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of ESPN from 1990 to 1999. During that time he was also named vice president of Capital Cities/ABC Inc. and president of ABC Sports. |
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