11 Questions
Which network is a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company?
ABC
Which of the following is NOT a show produced by ABC according to the text?
Friends
What type of programs does ABC News produce?
News programs
Which ABC program airs in the US in the morning according to the text?
Good Morning America
What type of stations carry ABC programming throughout the country?
From small local stations to national powerhouses like CBS and NBC
Who founded ABC?
Edward L. Bernays
When did ABC become part of Disney?
1986
Which network operates under Walt Disney Television alongside ABC?
Freeform
Where did ABC start expanding into television in 1940?
Washington, D.C.
What led to some financial difficulties for ABC during its early years?
Overreliance on advertising revenue
Which shows helped ABC turn around its financial situation in the late 1950s?
'Bonanza' and 'Wide Country'
Study Notes
What is ABC?
ABC stands for American Broadcasting Company, which is one of the major television broadcast networks in the United States. It was founded by Edward L. Bernays in November 1943. Before becoming part of Disney, it had been owned by Capital Cities Communications until September 20th, 1986. Today, it operates under its parent company, Walt Disney Television, alongside other networks such as Freeform and FX.
History
The American Broadcasting Company can trace its roots back to the early days of radio in New York City, where it was known as WJZ-FM. In 1940, it began expanding into television with an affiliate station in Washington, D.C., called WMAL-TV. By the end of World War II, it had grown to become one of the top four independent stations on the East Coast.
In 1947, the founders sold their controlling interest in the company to the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, who continued to grow it steadily over the next few decades. They absorbed several smaller competitors along the way, including KHJ in Los Angeles. This led to some difficulties when they tried to sell off their proprietary technology at a loss.
Throughout this period, ABC struggled financially due largely to its reliance on advertising revenue and its lack of studio resources. However, by the late 1950s, it had managed to turn things around somewhat, thanks largely to the success of shows like Bonanza and Wide Country.
Programming
Today, ABC focuses on producing original programming across different genres, from drama to reality TV. Some of its most popular shows have included Lost, Grey's Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives, among others. Its news division, ABC News, also produces numerous programs that air on ABC channels in the US, including Good Morning America, Nightline, 20/20, and World News Tonight.
Affiliates
As a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, ABC has a network of affiliates that carry its programming throughout the country. These affiliates range from small local stations to national powerhouses like CBS and NBC.
In summary, while the name 'ABC' may seem simple, its history and development are anything but. From humble beginnings in radio to a robust presence in television today, ABC continues to be a significant player in the world of entertainment and news.
Test your knowledge on the history, development, programming, and affiliates of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), a major television broadcast network in the United States. Learn about its roots in radio, expansion into television, popular shows, and its affiliation with the Walt Disney Company.
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