Dungey replaces Lee at ABC

Paul Lee has resigned as president of ABC Entertainment Group amid low ratings for the US broadcast network, with Channing Dungey stepping in as his replacement.

Channing Dungey

Dungey takes the role having previously overseen the US network’s drama output, playing a key role in the development of series such as Scandal and Quantico.

Lee, meanwhile, leaves ABC six years after rising to the top of The Walt Disney Company’s broadcast network and production arm and a year after the departure of president of the Disney/ABC Television Group Anne Sweeney.

Lee is said to have clashed with Ben Sherwood, the former president of ABC News who succeeded Sweeney in a role for which Lee was also thought to be in the running.

Dungey, who becomes the first African-American to take the lead at a US broadcast network, will not have oversight of ABC Studios as Lee did.

Instead, executive VP Patrick Moran will continue to run the studio arm but will now report to Sherwood, having previously reported to Lee.

Paul Lee

During his time as president of ABC Entertainment Group, British exec Lee brought in new series such as Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Goldbergs, Black-ish, How To Get Away With Murder and Scandal.

He is also credited with leading an industry diversity push, which has seen television praised ahead of the movie industry for casting more actors from ethnic backgrounds.

“Channing is a gifted leader and a proven magnet for top creative talent, with an impressive record of developing compelling, breakthrough programming,” said Sherwood.