In what is being considered shocking news, ABC announced today that Paul Lee has stepped down as President of ABC Television.
The network stated that Lee decided to step down from his position. The New York Times was first to report the story and has a different take on the situation. According to them, Lee ended up on the short end of a power struggle with Disney-ABC Television Group chairman Ben Sherwood.
Lee will be replaced by Channing Dungey, who was in charge of drams, miniseries and movies for ABC. A veteran of the network, Dungey has been with ABC since 2004.
Dungey will become the first African-American to head a broadcast network.
“I’m thrilled and humbled that Ben has entrusted me with this tremendous opportunity,” Dungey says in a statement. “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.”
With several shows still on the bubble at the network, what will the change in leadership mean for their fates?