Disney’s television division is undergoing a major reorganization.
The media giant announced Tuesday that it will close its ABC Signature studio and merge its operations with 20th Television. Additionally, Hulu and ABC’s comedy and drama development teams will be combined.
Carrie Burke, president of 20th TV, will continue to lead the combined studio. Simran Sethi has been promoted to president of scripted programming for Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, where she will lead development operations. According to Disney, the reorganization will also result in approximately 30 layoffs.
The moves include the promotion of Josh Sussman, head of business at ABC Signature, to head of integration for Disney Entertainment Television. Jordan Hellman, Hulu’s head of scripted content, has been promoted to executive vice president of drama, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, reporting directly to Sethi.
Tracy Underwood, president of ABC Signature, will move into a general producing agreement with Disney Television Studios. Erin Wehrenberg, ABC Entertainment’s senior vice president of comedy, is retiring. The comedy team will report to Sethi for the time being.
“Unfortunately, streamlining our creative functions means reducing our valuable team,” Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, wrote in a memo to staff. (see below). “These are difficult decisions to make and I would like to deeply thank my departing colleagues for their contributions. Changes like this are never easy, but our team will treat you with the utmost respect and care for each other.” I am confident that we will get through this moment.”
In a separate memo (also below), Eric Schrier, president of Disney TV Studios and Business Operations, wrote: We will continue to drive our business into the future. ”
ABC Signature (formerly ABC Studios and before that Touchstone Television) is the second television studio to close in the past two months, following the closure of Paramount Television Studios in August. ABC Signature’s current productions include Grey’s Anatomy, High Potential, and Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC, The Amazing Race (CBS Studios) on CBS, and Criminal Minds: Evolution (on Paramount+). CBS Studios), and How to Die Alone (Onyx Collective). On Hulu.
As with other traditional media companies, Disney is looking for ways to streamline its operations and align its streaming and linear TV businesses more closely. The TV studio and development reorganization comes about a week after Disney cut jobs at the corporate level.
Schrier and Erwich’s notes are below.
Schrier:
team,
We’d like to share some organizational changes designed to streamline our team while continuing to deliver the highest quality show.
Effective today, the ABC Signature banner will be retired and its operations will be consolidated with 20th Television.
20th Television will continue to be overseen by Carrie Burke, who has been a key and strategic leader across many divisions of the company. Over the past three years, she has built on the studio’s unparalleled success in producing breakthrough hits.
Tracy Underwood is transitioning from her role as president of ABC Signature to a new general producing agreement with Disney Television Studios. Tracy is an exceptional leader whose passion and deep relationships with creative partners have contributed greatly to our organization, and we are excited to continue our relationship with her as a producer. I am confident that she will continue to grow.
Additionally, Josh Sussman has been promoted to lead the Business Affairs team, reporting to me. Josh is a thoughtful strategist who has been an integral part of Disney Television Studios since 2016.
We are extremely fortunate to have this extraordinary executive team leading our all-star team, and we know their collective commitment to taking creative risks and delivering high-quality content will continue to support our company. We will continue to promote our business.
Unfortunately, when you combine these features, you have to say goodbye to some colleagues and friends. These are very difficult decisions made with great care. Change is difficult and I know you will handle it with respect and compassion.
Looking ahead, I am confident in the ability of this great team to improve our business. If you have any questions, please contact your HR Business Partner. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
With gratitude,
Eric
Elwich:
team,
Today, we’re announcing several important organizational changes to integrate our linear and streaming creative teams and establish a one-stop shop for our creative partners. This is designed to take full advantage of one of our distinct advantages: the ability to launch content in both linear and streaming formats.
Effective immediately, ABC and Hulu’s scripted content teams will be combined under the leadership of Simran Sethi, who has been promoted to president of scripted programming, Hulu Originals, and ABC Entertainment. This promotion recognizes the outstanding work Simran has done as head of the ABC scripted programming team. Jordan Hellman will serve as vice president of drama, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, adding broadcast drama to his portfolio. He will report to Simran.
On the comedy side, Erin Wehrenberg is leaving the company. We are so grateful for Erin’s creativity and leadership in overseeing the development and present of ABC Comedy over the past few years and wish her every success in her next chapter. The comedy team will debrief Simran until they decide on their next steps.
Unfortunately, streamlining our creative functions means reducing the size of our valued teams. These were difficult decisions to make, and I would like to deeply thank my departing colleagues for their contributions. Changes like this are never easy, but I am confident that our team will navigate this moment with the utmost respect and care for each other.
As we look to the future, we are confident that your combination of passion and innovation will continue to position us as a leader in entertainment.
Thank you for your hard work every day. I’m very proud to work with you.
craig