ABC

The American Broadcasting Company, generally known as ABC, is an American television network, which is sometimes referred to as the Alphabet Network because of the letters “ABC.” Currently owned by The Walt Disney Company, ABC is part of the Disney-ABC Television Group.

With its corporate headquarters in Manhattan, New York City and programming offices in Burbank, California, ABC owns and operates ten television broadcasting stations that simulcast programming in their local markets. Its television network also distributes programming to 224 affiliated stations, and it produces, develops, and distributes local entertainment, sports, public affairs, and news programming. Its radio network owns and operates 21 AM and FM radio outlets in all major markets in the United States, and also serves over 3,400 radio stations. The ABC Cable and International Broadcast Group is the major owner of ESPN in the United States and overseas, which reaches an estimate of 70% of American households and seen in 130 countries in 11 different languages.

As of 2008, ABC is the most watched television network in the United States, with hit primetime shows including Desperate Housewives, Boston Legal, Brothers & Sisters, Dancing With The Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Men In Trees, Lost, Ugly Betty, Supernanny, and Private Practice. Its daytime shows include The View, One Life to Give, All My Children, and General Hospital.

History

American Broadcasting Company began when the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) established the Blue Network in 1927 as an addition to its Red Network. From the late 30s to early 40s, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) conducted an investigation on the existing broadcasting networks, CBS and NBS; it soon issued a report that required RCA to divest itself of one of its chains. Consequently, RCA, which owned NBC, sold the Blue Network Company. In 1943, the Blue Network was purchased for $8 million by the American Broadcasting System, Inc., owned by Edward J. Noble.

In the mid-1940s, ABC slowly started its radio network and it bought stations in Detroit and Los Angeles. In 1948, its television network had its first broadcast.

In 1951, Leonard Goldenson and United Paramount Theaters purchased ABC for $25 million, and the name was changed to American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres, Inc. In 1953, Goldenson persuaded his old friends at the Hollywood studios to move into programming; by 1954, they broadcasted shows including Disneyland, which brought in success for the company. In 1955, ABC aired Cheyenne, a hit primetime series produced by Warner Brothers. Other hit shows during the 50s include Leave It to Beaver, The Untouchables, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and The Detectives. In the early part of the 60s, ABC aired shows including The Addams Family, Combat, My Three Sons, Bewitched, Peyton Place, McHale’s Navy. In the later part of the decade, ABC featured shows like Shindig!, Bandstand, The Invaders, The Outer Limits, The Fugitive, The Time Tunnel, The F.B.I., and Batman.

In 1968, the ABC Radio Network was divided into four new networks wherein each network featured a specific formatting. In the same year, the company changed its name to American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

In the 70s, ABC aired shows like Charlie’s Angels; Roots; Marcus Welby, M.D.; and game shows and soap operas. By 1977, ABC became the nation’s highest-rated network, with shows like Happy Days, Taxi, The Love Boat, Eight is Enough, among many others.

In the early 80s, ABC bought ESPN, a cable sports network. In 1986, Capital Cities Communication merged with ABC and the name was changed to Capital Cities/ABC.

In 1995, Walt Disney Company purchased Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion and the broadcasting group was renamed ABC, Inc.

Related Links:

A comprehensive profile about the American Broadcasting Company is featured on Wikipedia.

A brief history of the American Broadcasting Company is illustrated on museum.tv.

Full episodes of ABC shows can be viewed on their official website.