History
ABC Daytime is the daytime programming division of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) television network, which has been in operation since 1948. ABC Daytime originally began as a block of programming featuring game shows and soap operas, and it quickly became a popular destination for viewers during the daytime hours.
Brian Frons became president of ABC Daytime in 2002.[1]
- When Megan McTavish returned as Head Writer of All My Children in July 2003, she faced criticism for a story that depicted the rape of a lesbian character, Bianca Montgomery.[2] The show also faced opposition to a story of a transgender character in 2006.
- The Writers Guild of America East filed arbitration suits against ABC Daytime, claiming that they violated the strike-termination agreement by retaining replacement writers (those who choose Financial Core Status) who filled in during the strike (including Frons) on All My Children instead of bringing back the writers who had been on strike. "The strike-termination agreement does not allow the retention of replacement writers in lieu of allowing striking writers to return to their jobs. [ABC Daytime] are clearly violating this agreement," said Ira Cure, senior counsel for the Writers Guild of America, East, in a statement. "They have left us no other option but to file arbitrations to ensure that our members will be afforded their rights outlined under this agreement."[3]
In May 2006, ABC Daytime was enlarged with the addition of Soapnet and ABC Media Productions.[4] ABC Daytime was criticized by Susan Lucci for putting profits above their legacy for the 2011 cancellations of All My Children and One Life to Live in favor of lower-cost talk programming such as The Chew.[1] ABC Daytime was folded into ABC Entertainment in 2011.[5]
Times Square Studios (TSS) was created on December 2, 2011, under Vicki Dummer to oversee operations of ABC Daytime and the syndication programs[1] replacing separate daytime and syndicated units. Times Square took over ABC Daytime when Frons' employment contract ended in January 2012.[6] Except for Live with Kelly and Ryan, Times Square took over their remaining soap, all ABC syndicated and lifestyle shows.[7] On October 30, 2014, The View talk show was transferred into Lincoln Square Productions, an ABC News subsidiary, from ABC Entertainment after struggling in ratings and a change in hosts.[5]
Another popular show in the ABC Daytime lineup was the soap opera All My Children which aired from 1970 to 2011. The show was known for its dramatic storylines, complex characters, and talented cast of actors. All My Children helped to establish ABC as a leader in daytime programming, and it won numerous awards and accolades over the years.
ABC Daytime has featured a number of other popular shows over the years, including General Hospital, The View and One Life to Live. These shows have helped to establish ABC as a leader in daytime programming, and they have attracted a large and dedicated audience of viewers.
Times Square Studios reverted to the ABC Daytime name by the time of the appointment of ABC Owned Television Station President Rebecca Campbell as president of ABC Daytime, which still contains syndication, as an additional position.[8]
