What Happened to American Broadcasting Company (ABC)?

The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) traces its origins back to 1943, emerging as a radio network from the divestiture of NBC's Blue Network. It expanded into television in 1948, initially struggling against established competitors like CBS and NBC. A pivotal moment came in 1953 when Edward J. Noble sold ABC to United Paramount Theatres (UPT) for $25 million, with UPT head Leonard Goldenson leading the network to profitability through innovative programming and strategic development. ABC found significant success in the 1970s, dominating primetime ratings and pioneering new formats in sports and news, including the launch of 'Monday Night Football' and 'Nightline'.

In 1986, ABC was acquired by Capital Cities, forming Capital Cities/ABC, Inc., a significant media conglomerate. A decade later, in 1996, The Walt Disney Company acquired Capital Cities/ABC for approximately $19 billion, integrating ABC into its vast entertainment empire. This acquisition marked a new era for ABC, positioning it as a core component of Disney's diversified media portfolio, alongside theme parks, film studios, and other television properties.

The rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional linear television viewership have presented significant challenges to broadcast networks like ABC. For a period, Disney CEO Bob Iger indicated that linear networks "may not be core" assets, leading to speculation about potential sales or spin-offs. However, in June 2025, Iger confirmed Disney's decision to retain its linear television networks, including ABC, and to integrate them seamlessly with its streaming business, particularly after finalizing the acquisition of Comcast's remaining stake in Hulu. This strategy aims to leverage linear channels for advertising revenue and subscriber fees while using them to feed content to streaming platforms. More recently, in August 2026, Disney completed the sale of its 50% stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst for $1.2 billion, a move described as streamlining operations rather than a broader retreat from linear television.

As of August 2026, ABC is operating from a position of renewed strength in its programming. For the first time in its history, the network renewed its entire scripted lineup for the 2026-2027 broadcast season, a decision announced in May 2026. The fall 2026 schedule features returning hits like 'Abbott Elementary,' '9-1-1,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' and 'Dancing with the Stars,' alongside new series such as 'The Rookie: North' and a new 'Grey's Anatomy' spin-off slated for 2027. ABC News continues to perform strongly, with 'World News Tonight with David Muir' remaining the most-watched evening newscast in total viewers as of August 2026. The network's content is readily available the day after broadcast on Hulu, and ABC News Live, its 24/7 streaming news channel, continues to expand its original programming and distribution across Disney+ and other digital platforms, reflecting Disney's multiplatform content strategy.