When people wonder who owns ABC, they’re usually thinking about the powerhouse behind some of America’s most familiar shows and news programs. ABC’s journey from a modest radio network to a television giant spans decades of change, acquisitions, and growth. Its ownership story is tied to some of the biggest names in media, and that legacy continues to shape how the network operates today.
Key Takeaways
- ABC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. All ownership and strategic control ultimately rest with Disney’s senior management.
- Disney’s stake ensures that ABC aligns with corporate priorities, including content distribution, digital streaming integration, and overall media strategy.
- The network’s operational decisions, programming strategy, and financial performance are influenced by Disney, while ABC’s key executives manage day-to-day operations across its diverse portfolio of brands and entities.
ABC Company Profile
ABC is one of the United States’ major broadcast networks. It delivers television programming across genres: news, entertainment, sports, reality, talk shows, and special events. Its operations include both content creation and distribution. ABC’s headquarters are in New York City, while significant programming and production functions are tied to the Walt Disney media campus in Burbank, California.
Over time, ABC has adapted to shifts in media, streaming, and audience behavior, but it remains a central broadcast brand under Disney’s umbrella.
In 2025, ABC continues to launch new seasons, premieres, and special broadcasts. For example, ABC’s fall 2025 schedule includes returning series like America’s Funniest Home Videos and the broadcast premieres of Disney films such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
ABC also remains a key venue for Disney to blend its theatrical and television strategy.
In recent years, ABC News has undergone restructuring under Disney. In 2025, Disney plans to cut nearly 6 % of staffing across its news and entertainment units, consolidating shows like 20/20 and Nightline and integrating operations under a leaner structure.
Also, ABC News is moving parts of its operations to the 7 Hudson Square facility in New York, such as World News Tonight and Good Morning America, signaling further consolidation of its news footprint.
Founders & Origins
The roots of ABC stretch back to the early radio era. In 1943, the NBC Blue Network was sold off as part of regulatory moves to break up monopolies in radio. The buyer was Edward J. Noble, who rebranded the NBC Blue network as the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
When television began to dominate the media landscape, ABC launched its own TV network on April 19, 1948. During the 1950s, ABC merged with United Paramount Theatres (a theater chain that had separated from Paramount Pictures). That merger brought both capital and leadership, especially from Leonard Goldenson, who steered ABC into a stronger footing.
Leonard Goldenson played a pivotal role in ABC’s early growth. As head of UPT and then within the merged ABC, he invested in programming, sports, and news, setting the network up to compete more strongly against NBC and CBS.
Major Milestones
- 1943 – Edward J. Noble purchases the NBC Blue Network and renames it the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
- 1948 – ABC officially launches its television network, beginning national TV broadcasts.
- 1953 – ABC merges with United Paramount Theatres, bringing Leonard Goldenson as a key leader who drives long-term growth.
- 1960 – ABC introduces its first color broadcasts, aligning with the industry’s transition from black-and-white TV.
- 1969 – ABC News launches World News Tonight, which becomes one of the network’s flagship news programs.
- 1970 – ABC becomes known for sports broadcasting, building a strong presence with Monday Night Football.
- 1977 – ABC leads U.S. television ratings for the first time, challenging CBS and NBC’s long dominance.
- 1984 – ABC begins developing its own cable properties, expanding beyond broadcast television.
- 1985 – Capital Cities Communications acquires ABC for $3.5 billion, a landmark deal at the time.
- 1995–1996 – The Walt Disney Company purchases Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion, one of the largest media mergers of the era, making ABC part of Disney’s global media portfolio.
- 2000 – ABC Studios (then known as Touchstone Television) becomes a leading content production arm, fueling hit shows for both ABC and outside networks.
- 2006 – ABC begins offering shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives for online streaming, one of the earliest moves into digital distribution.
- 2010 – ABC embraces high-definition (HD) broadcasting across all its programs, standardizing picture quality.
- 2013 – ABC News launches a digital partnership with Yahoo! News, expanding its online footprint.
- 2017 – Disney announces plans for its own streaming service (Disney+), with ABC content positioned as part of the broader Disney ecosystem.
- 2020 – ABC adapts to COVID-19 broadcasting challenges, with remote productions and digital coverage of global events.
- 2021 – ABC broadcasts the 93rd Academy Awards during the pandemic era, showcasing its resilience in live events.
- 2022 – ABC aligns its programming more closely with Disney+, cross-promoting Disney’s streaming exclusives.
- 2023 – ABC celebrates its 80th anniversary, highlighting its historic role in U.S. broadcasting.
- 2024 – Disney restructures ABC News and television operations, aiming for tighter integration across divisions.
- 2025 – ABC continues to adapt under Disney’s cost-cutting and reorganization plans, moving much of ABC News to 7 Hudson Square in New York and rolling out new programming as part of Disney’s larger cross-platform content strategy.
Who Owns ABC?
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is owned by The Walt Disney Company, one of the world’s largest and most influential media conglomerates. Disney oversees ABC through its Disney Entertainment division, which manages broadcast networks, streaming services, and content production. ABC remains one of Disney’s most valuable broadcast assets, complementing the company’s cable properties like ESPN and FX, as well as its streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu.
As part of Disney, ABC benefits from access to resources, talent, and global distribution that independent networks cannot match.
Parent Company: The Walt Disney Company
ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company, a global leader in media and entertainment. Founded in 1923, Disney has grown from an animation studio into a diversified corporation with assets across film, television, streaming, sports, and theme parks. Headquartered in Burbank, California, Disney is publicly traded under the ticker DIS, with institutional and individual investors as its shareholders.
ABC strengthens Disney’s media portfolio by providing a nationwide broadcast platform for news, entertainment, and live events. It also serves as a valuable link between Disney’s traditional television audience and its digital ventures, including Disney+ and Hulu. This integration ensures ABC remains a central piece of Disney’s cross-platform strategy in 2025.
Disney is a publicly traded company (ticker: DIS). While ABC is a wholly owned subsidiary, the ownership of ABC flows from Disney’s shareholders. The largest shareholders of Disney are mostly institutional investors that hold large blocks of stock.
These are the major institutions with significant stakes in Disney:
- The Vanguard Group, Inc. — Vanguard is the single largest shareholder, holding around 8.76 % of Disney’s shares.
- BlackRock, Inc. — BlackRock holds about 7.11 % of the shares.
- State Street Global Advisors — This firm holds roughly 4.43 % of Disney.
- JP Morgan Asset Management — One of the top financial institutions investing in Disney, holding around 2.44 %.
- Geode Capital Management, LLC — Holds approximately 2.22 % of Disney’s shares.
Acquisition by Capital Cities
In 1985, Capital Cities Communications made headlines when it acquired ABC for $3.5 billion. At the time, Capital Cities was considered a much smaller company compared to ABC, yet it managed to outbid rivals and take control of the network.
This deal was historic because it flipped the usual narrative of big companies buying smaller ones. Under Capital Cities, ABC became leaner and more disciplined, with a stronger financial focus and strategic programming moves. Leadership from Capital Cities, particularly Thomas Murphy and Daniel Burke, helped stabilize ABC during a period of intense competition with NBC and CBS.
Acquisition by Disney
Disney’s acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC in 1995 was valued at $19 billion and closed in February 1996. It was one of the largest media mergers of its time and marked a turning point in the entertainment industry.
The deal instantly gave Disney ownership of the ABC television network, ABC Radio, 10 television stations, 21 radio stations, and a majority stake in ESPN. This merger transformed Disney into a vertically integrated media giant, giving it direct access to television audiences while also strengthening its sports and news presence.
For Disney, the acquisition wasn’t just about ABC—it was about creating a multi-platform ecosystem combining movies, television, sports, and later digital platforms.
Integration into Disney
After the acquisition, ABC was fully absorbed into Disney’s corporate structure. The network’s broadcast operations, news programming, and owned stations were consolidated under Disney’s television division.
Over time, ABC Studios (once known as Touchstone Television) became a key production arm, creating original series for ABC and beyond. ABC News developed into a central brand within Disney’s news operations, producing World News Tonight, Good Morning America, and other flagship programs.
Additionally, ABC’s owned-and-operated stations in major U.S. markets became vital outlets for Disney content. Disney’s integration strategy also ensured that ABC aligned with the company’s broader goals, from promoting films and theme parks to cross-marketing Disney+ content.
Influence of Disney’s Leadership
ABC operates under the leadership of Disney’s executive team, led by CEO Robert Iger as of 2025. While ABC has its own executives managing programming, entertainment, and news, ultimate decision-making authority rests with Disney’s board and corporate leadership.
The Disney CEO and top executives decide how ABC fits into the company’s broader strategy, including its integration with streaming services, advertising models, and international distribution. In practice, this means that ABC not only serves as a traditional broadcast network but also acts as a crucial tool for Disney to reach audiences and support its cross-platform growth.
Past ABC executives have included network presidents and heads of entertainment who shaped programming decisions, but today their authority is always aligned with Disney’s corporate priorities.
ABC Leadership
ABC does not operate with a separate CEO. As a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, ultimate authority rests with Disney’s senior leadership.
However, ABC’s day-to-day operations are managed by a team of presidents and division heads who oversee content, news, and local stations. These executives are responsible for programming decisions, budgets, personnel, and strategic initiatives, while aligning their operations with Disney’s broader goals.
This ensures ABC maintains its identity as a major broadcast network while benefiting from the scale, resources, and corporate oversight of Disney.
President of ABC Entertainment
Craig Erwich serves as President of ABC Entertainment, Hulu Originals, and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals. He is responsible for overseeing all of ABC’s primetime entertainment programming, including scripted and unscripted shows, reality series, and special event programming.
In addition to traditional broadcast operations, Erwich ensures integration between ABC and Disney’s streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu, maximizing content distribution and audience engagement.
Under his leadership, ABC has focused on expanding its digital footprint, developing shows that can cross over to streaming platforms, and maintaining ratings competitiveness in a rapidly evolving television landscape.
President of ABC News
Almin Karamehmedovic is the President of ABC News. He leads all news operations across national broadcasts, digital platforms, and special live events.
This includes flagship programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, Nightline, and ABC News specials. Karamehmedovic is responsible for editorial direction, staffing, content strategy, and integration of digital platforms to reach broader audiences. ABC News also works closely with Disney’s broader media operations to leverage cross-platform promotion and maintain high production standards.
His leadership ensures that ABC’s journalism remains a trusted source while aligning with corporate objectives.
President of ABC Owned Television Stations
Chad Matthews serves as President of ABC Owned Television Stations, overseeing the network’s directly owned local stations in major U.S. markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
His responsibilities include local news programming, advertising sales, community engagement, and operational management of the stations. By managing the owned stations, Matthews ensures that ABC maintains a strong local presence, provides consistent quality content, and aligns local station operations with Disney’s national strategy.
These stations also play a critical role in distributing ABC content, both for local and national programming.
Role of the Parent Company
The Walt Disney Company plays a central role in ABC’s leadership structure. While ABC’s presidents manage daily operations, Disney sets corporate strategy, budgets, long-term goals, and investment priorities.
Disney ensures that ABC’s operations, content, and distribution are integrated with the company’s other media assets, including ESPN, Disney+, Hulu, and FX. Decisions such as show development, marketing campaigns, acquisitions, and technological upgrades are coordinated with Disney leadership to maintain synergy across the company.
Disney’s oversight allows ABC to benefit from global resources, cross-promotional opportunities, and advanced production capabilities that independent networks would struggle to access.
Leadership Dynamics and Collaboration
ABC’s leadership team operates collaboratively across entertainment, news, and local operations to ensure the network delivers cohesive programming and maintains competitive ratings.
Each president has autonomy within their area but coordinates with peers and Disney executives to align with corporate strategy. This includes planning new series, scheduling content, integrating with streaming platforms, and managing large-scale events.
ABC’s leadership structure combines internal decision-making flexibility with the strategic oversight of Disney, balancing innovation with stability in a rapidly changing media environment.
ABC Annual Revenue and Net Worth
As of September 2025, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, had an estimated revenue of $1.4 billion and a net worth of around $8 billion.
Below is an overview of the historical revenue and net worth of ABC:
| Year | Estimated Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1.5 billion | $8 billion |
| 2016 | $1.6 billion | $8.5 billion |
| 2017 | $1.7 billion | $9 billion |
| 2018 | $1.8 billion | $9.5 billion |
| 2019 | $1.9 billion | $10 billion |
| 2020 | $2.0 billion | $10.5 billion |
| 2021 | $1.9 billion | $10 billion |
| 2022 | $1.8 billion | $9.5 billion |
| 2023 | $1.7 billion | $9 billion |
| 2024 | $1.4 billion | $8 billion |
| 2025 | $1.4 billion (est.) | $8 billion (est.) |
ABC Revenue
Using available industry data and the composition of network revenues, an illustrative estimate for ABC’s annual revenue in 2024–2025 falls into a $1.5 billion to $3.0 billion range.
Most of that revenue comes from national advertising and retransmission/affiliate fees, with smaller contributions from program licensing, syndication, and digital monetization. The lower end of the range reflects a scenario of continued ad softness and subscriber declines for pay TV, while the higher end assumes more resilient ad pricing and stronger payouts from carriage agreements tied to major live events (sports, awards shows) and syndication deals.
Because Disney reports consolidated results, these figures should be treated as model-based estimates rather than company disclosures.
Net Worth
Industry estimates suggest that ABC’s net worth ranges between $6 billion and $11 billion, with a midpoint near $8 billion as of September 2025.
This valuation reflects the combined value of ABC’s broadcast licenses, owned-and-operated stations, programming library, advertising revenue streams, and its strategic importance within Disney’s broader media and entertainment division.
Notably, a report by Needham & Company in September 2025 estimated that shutting down the ABC broadcast network could provide a one-time financial impact of $10–11 billion, which would be offset by enhanced revenue growth from streaming platforms.
Brands Owned by ABC
As of September 2025, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) operates a diverse portfolio of brands and entities across various media platforms. These assets encompass television stations, digital networks, production studios, and lifestyle brands, each contributing to ABC’s multifaceted presence in the media landscape.
| Company / Brand | Type | Year Established | Key Focus / Function | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC Owned Television Stations | Broadcast TV Stations | Various (earliest 1948) | Local and national broadcast content, news, entertainment | 8 major stations in key U.S. markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago |
| Localish | Digital Multicast Network | 2009 | Community-focused lifestyle and positive storytelling | Available on linear TV and streaming platforms like Hulu + Live |
| ABC News Studios | Production Studio | 2022 | Documentaries, docu-series, specials | Expands ABC News’ non-fiction content for Disney platforms |
| ABC Spark (Canada) | Specialty TV Channel | 2001 | Entertainment programming for Canadian audience | Rebranded from Scream in 2012, discontinued in 2025; content absorbed by other Corus networks |
| ABC Audio | Audio & Podcasts | N/A | Podcasts, radio programs, digital audio content | Includes programs like “Start Here” and “The Dropout”; leverages ABC’s journalism resources |
| ABC Studios International | Global Production Arm | N/A | Produces and distributes content outside the U.S. | Collaborates with international broadcasters and streaming platforms |
| ABC Digital Media | Digital Platforms | N/A | Online content, streaming, interactive media | Includes ABC.com, ABC app, social media channels |
| ABC Sports | Sports Division | N/A | Live sports and event programming | Includes select college football and basketball coverage in partnership with ESPN |
| ABC Television Network | Flagship Broadcast Network | 1948 | Primetime dramas, comedies, reality shows, news | Core component of ABC’s brand and audience reach |
ABC Owned Television Stations
ABC owns and operates eight major television stations across key U.S. markets:
- WABC-TV – New York City
- KABC-TV – Los Angeles
- WLS-TV – Chicago
- WPVI-TV – Philadelphia
- KTRK-TV – Houston
- KGO-TV – San Francisco
- WTVD-TV – Raleigh-Durham
- KFSN-TV – Fresno.
These stations are integral to ABC’s national and local programming strategy, delivering a mix of news, entertainment, and syndicated content to millions of viewers.
Localish
Localish is a digital multicast television network owned by ABC’s television stations. Launched in 2009, it focuses on positive, community-driven storytelling and lifestyle programming. The network’s content is available on linear TV and streaming platforms, including Hulu + Live.
ABC News Studios
Established in 2022, ABC News Studios is the documentary production arm of ABC News. It specializes in creating feature-length documentaries, docu-series, and specials for Disney’s streaming services and networks. The studio aims to expand ABC’s non-fiction content offerings and reach a broader audience.
ABC Spark (Canada)
ABC Spark was a Canadian English-language specialty channel operated by Corus Entertainment. Launched in 2001 as Scream, it rebranded to ABC Spark in 2012. The channel was discontinued in September 2025, with its programming being absorbed by other Corus-owned networks such as Slice and W Network.
ABC Audio
ABC Audio is the audio content division of ABC, producing a wide range of podcasts, radio programs, and digital audio content. It includes popular offerings like “Start Here,” a daily news podcast, and “The Dropout,” a true-crime series. ABC Audio leverages ABC’s journalistic resources to create compelling audio storytelling.
ABC Studios International
ABC Studios International is the global production arm of ABC, responsible for creating and distributing television content outside the United States. It collaborates with international broadcasters and streaming platforms to produce localized versions of ABC’s popular series and original content tailored to regional audiences.
ABC Digital Media
ABC Digital Media encompasses the network’s online platforms, including ABC.com, the ABC app, and its presence on various social media platforms. It provides viewers with access to live streams, on-demand content, and interactive features, enhancing ABC’s digital footprint and audience engagement.
ABC Sports
ABC Sports is the division responsible for the network’s sports programming. While ABC has scaled back its live sports coverage in recent years, it continues to broadcast select events, including college football and basketball games, in partnership with ESPN and other Disney-owned entities.
ABC Television Network
The ABC Television Network is the flagship broadcast television network, offering a wide range of programming, including primetime dramas, comedies, reality shows, and news programs. It remains a central component of ABC’s brand identity and audience reach.
Final Thoughts
So, who owns ABC now? The network is firmly under Disney’s umbrella, a move that reshaped its reach and influence in television. Ownership by Disney has allowed ABC to stay relevant in a digital age while still holding onto the trusted role it has built with audiences for generations.
FAQs
Who owns ABC News?
ABC News is owned by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
Who owns ABC Company?
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is fully owned by The Walt Disney Company.
Who owns Walt Disney?
The Walt Disney Company is a publicly traded company. Its ownership is divided among institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders, with the largest shareholders including Vanguard Group and BlackRock.
Who bought ABC Network?
The Walt Disney Company acquired ABC in 1996, purchasing it from Capital Cities/ABC Inc.
Who owns ABC Channel?
The ABC television channel is owned by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), which is a subsidiary of Disney.
Is ABC owned by Fox?
No, ABC is not owned by Fox. ABC is owned by Disney. Fox and Disney are separate companies, though Disney acquired certain Fox assets in 2019, ABC was not among them.
Does Disney own Fox or ABC?
Disney owns ABC. Disney acquired major parts of 21st Century Fox in 2019, but the Fox broadcast network remains separate.
Is the ABC owned by the BBC?
No, ABC is not owned by the BBC. The BBC is the British public broadcaster and has no ownership stake in ABC.
Is CBS owned by ABC?
No, CBS is a separate broadcasting company and is not owned by ABC or Disney.
Does Elon Musk own ABC?
No, Elon Musk does not own ABC. ABC is fully owned by Disney.
Who owns ABC and Disney?
ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company. Disney itself is publicly traded, meaning it is owned collectively by its shareholders, including major institutional investors.