Disney Reorganizing Again. ABC Signature and Hulu Develeopment To Merge With 20th Television.

Disney is once again reorganizing its entertainment division. This time ABC Signature will be shut down and will merge with 20th Television. Hulu’s comedy and drama development teams will also be merged, which will lead to about 30 layoffs.

Under this new structure, Karey Burke, President of 20th Television, will oversee the new combined division. Simran Sethi will now be the President, Scripted Programming, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, heading up development efforts.

Tracy Underwood will move from the position of President, ABC Signature to a new position in production with Disney Television Studios. While Josh Sussman will lead the business affairs team and report to Disney TV Studios and Business Operations president Eric Schrier.

Schrier put out this memo:

Team,

I’d like to share some organizational changes designed to help streamline our team while continuing to deliver the highest caliber shows.

Effective today, the ABC Signature banner will sunset and its operations will be combined into 20th Television.

20th Television will continue to be overseen by Karey Burke, who has been a vital and strategic leader across many divisions of the company. Over the past three years, she has built upon the studio’s unparalleled success in delivering groundbreaking hits.

Tracy Underwood will transition from her role as president, ABC Signature, to a new overall producing deal with Disney Television Studios. Tracy is an exceptional leader whose passion and deep relationships with creative partners has contributed greatly to our organization, and we are excited about continuing our relationship with her as a producer. I am confident she will continue to flourish.

Additionally, Josh Sussman has been promoted and will now lead our business affairs team, reporting into 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 group of executives leading an all-star team, whose collective commitment to creative risk-taking and delivering quality content will continue to drive our business into the future.

Unfortunately, combining these functions means having to say goodbye to some of our colleagues and friends. These are exceedingly difficult decisions made with the utmost thought and consideration. I know change is challenging and that you all will handle it with respect and compassion.

Looking at what lies ahead, I am confident in this remarkable team’s ability to elevate our business. Please reach out to your HR business partner with any questions, and I am here for you if you need anything at all.

With gratitude,
Eric

Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich also sent out the following memo:

Team,

Today, we are announcing some important organizational changes that will bring our linear and streaming creative teams together and establish a one-stop shop for our creative partners. This is designed to maximize one of our distinct advantages, which is the ability to launch content on both linear and streaming.

Effective immediately, the ABC and Hulu scripted content teams will be combined under the direction of Simran Sethi, who has been elevated to president, Scripted Programming, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment. This promotion is in recognition of the excellent work Simran has done as the head of the ABC scripted programming team. Jordan Helman will serve as EVP, drama, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, adding broadcast drama to his portfolio. He will report to Simran.

On the comedy side, Erin Wehrenberg will be leaving the company. We are so thankful to Erin for her creativity and leadership overseeing ABC comedy development and current over the past few years, and wish her well in her next chapter. The comedy team will report to Simran in the interim as we determine next steps.

Streamlining our creative functions regrettably means reductions to our valued team. These are painstaking decisions, and I’d like to acknowledge how profoundly grateful I am for the contributions made by our departing colleagues. This kind of change is never easy, but I know our team will navigate through this moment with the utmost respect and care for one another.

As we look toward the future, I have great confidence that your combined passion and innovation will continue to position our company as a leader in entertainment.

Thank you for everything you do each and every day. I am so proud to work alongside you.

Craig

This announcement comes less than a week after other corporate layoffs.

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Source: THR