Robin Roberts to lead new multi-genre production unit within ABC News Studios

ABC News Studios in the US is launching a new production unit led by American broadcaster and television presenter Robin Roberts.

Robin Roberts

The new entity will produce originals for ABC Television Network, Hulu and Disney+, starting with a one-hour edition of primetime news magazine programme 20/20 featuring an interview with US actress, producer and director Kerry Washington about her new memoir.

Kerry Washington: Thicker Than Water – A Conversation with Robin Roberts will premiere on Sunday, September 24 on ABC before streaming on Hulu the following day.

The production unit said it is “actively commissioning and developing” projects from across multiple genres and formats.

For Roberts, who is the co-anchor of Good Morning America, the launch of the new entity expands her existing production portfolio, which also includes full-service prodco Rock’n Robin Productions.

Jonathan Blakely has been appointed executive producer of the unit and will report to Mike Kelley, head of ABC News Studios. In addition, Katie Conway will oversee development and production from LA.

ABC News Studios officially launched last year with an initial slate of more than 100 hours of original content.

“This dedicated ABC News Studios production unit will make it possible for Robin to seamlessly produce more premium, original content about extraordinary people and places like only Robin can,” said ABC News president Kim Godwin.