We often celebrate high profile individuals and celebrities, but here’s one woman who we wouldn’t have had the pleasure of knowing if she hadn’t made history. ABC President Channing Dungey becomes the first Black woman to lead the network. In fact, Dungey is also the first African American to lead a major network.
As per Fortune.com,
On Wednesday, Dungey became the first African American—and first black woman–to ever head a major television network. She will take over as president of ABC Entertainment Group, succeeding Paul Lee, who, according to the Hollywood Reporter, was “forced out.”
While Lee’s controversial exit—reportedly a result of clashes with Disney/ABC TV Group president Ben Sherwood—has garnered much of the recent media attention, the historical significance and timing of Dungey’s appointment should not be overlooked.
Dungey steps into her new job at a time when Hollywood’s diversity—or lack thereof—has become a hot-button issue. Women made up just 27% of show creators, directors, writers, producers, and other behind-the-camera roles on network shows during the 2014-2015 season. The numbers for people of color are even more dismal: African Americans accounted for just 14.3% of show creators in 2013.
The LA Times also notes,
It helped that Dungey had developed a close working relationship with ABC’s prolific show creator, Shonda Rhimes, the force behind two of the network’s biggest hits, “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal.”
Their strong connection goes back to the early days of “Grey’s Anatomy,” not long after Dungey was hired in 2004 by ABC parent Walt Disney Co.’s television production studio.During the first season of the long-running medical drama, the network had issues with the direction of the show. Production was shut down to retool the program. Dungey was credited with helping Rhimes get the show back on track, and on its way to becoming one of TV’s most enduring hits.
