ABC Inks McPherson to Multiyear Deal

ABC Entertainment President to Remain with Network

By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/8/2008 7:17:00 PM

ABC announced Thursday that network entertainment president Steve McPherson signed a new multiyear deal to remain in his current role.

“Steve is one of the most influential programmers of his generation. Under his leadership, ABC has become a primetime powerhouse. His ability to identify talent and develop successful shows is second to none, and that, combined with his marketing savvy, has helped to turn ABC Entertainment around,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and co-chairman of Disney-ABC Television Group, in a statement.

McPherson joined the network prior to the 2004-05 season and has since overseen the development of successful shows including Grey’s Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars.

Often sticking to female targeted-shows that developed a brand identity for the network, McPherson helped to move ABC from its doldrums of five years ago to second place in the adult 18-49 demo.

And that kept advertisers happy, ABC last year earning a 5% increase in upfront revenue, high-single-digit CPM (cost per thousand homes) increases in primetime and $2.4 billion in primetime upfront ad dollars.

The network won the last three November sweep periods, with the past two coming after jettisoning Monday Night Football to corporate cousin ESPN.

McPherson came to ABC from the company’s Touchstone Television, where he served as president.