The Disney-ABC Television Group will rename its in-house production company, Touchstone Television, as the ABC Television Studio, it was announced at the 2007 Disney Investor Conference by Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney-ABC Television Group. The announcement was made as part of a company-wide strategy to focus on three core brands, Disney, ABC and ESPN.
The new name reflects the studio's critical role in building a brand that viewers identify with quality television on any platform. The newly named ABC Television Studio will continue to develop and produce premiere programming for network, cable, Web, VOD, mobile and broadband platforms for The Walt Disney Co., as well as other outlets.
This goes in hand with the recent announcement that Buena Vista Games will now be known as Disney Interactive Studios.
"Over the past few years, the studio has delivered some of the highest quality, most successful programming on television, including international franchise hits LOST and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, as well as this year's Golden Globe winners, GREY'S ANATOMY and UGLY BETTY," said Sweeney. "The new name ties this success more closely with the ABC brand that viewers have come to value and trust."
"It is incredibly rewarding that the company recognizes the strength of the studio as an asset to build overall brand perception," said Mark Pedowitz, president, ABC Television Studio. "Under the ABC Television Studio banner, we will continue our strategy to create quality programming that makes a connection with consumers through a multitude of platforms."
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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