The History Of ABC

The youngest of the big three broadcasting networks, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), began as an offshoot of NBC and was for decades mired in third place in the ratings. That began to change when Walt Disney stepped in. Disney helped popularize color broadcasting and led to the development of a new identity for ABC. Nonetheless, it was not until the 1970s, with the introduction of young-skewing, sitcoms that it was entirely clear that ABC would survive!

Eventually developing a more youth-oriented schedule, ABC carved out a special and popular identity of its own. While today the network is primarily known for its endless parade of ‘reality’ shows (“The Bachelor, “Extreme Makeover,” “Dancing With The Stars”) and recycled game shows (“The Match Game,” “Supermarket Sweep,” Card Sharks), ABC is also the network that brought innovations like “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” Monday Night. Football, “Roots” and “The Fugitive,” as well as 20/20 and Barbara Walters’, mesmerizing interviews.