It looks like Netflix is snatching up all of the black ABC alums out here. First, it was Shonda Rhimes and Kenya Barris. Next up? Channing Dungey.
According to Deadline, the former ABC Entertainment president has now been named Vice President, Original Content and will work with current VP of Content Acquisition, Cindy Holland. Dungey reached new prominence in 2016 when she became the first black executive to run the entertainment division of one of the Big Four Networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX).
Dungey departed ABC following the Roseanne fiasco (the show was snatched from the network following star Roseanne Barr’s racist tweets), and was soon rumored to be courted by Netflix. She had been working with ABC and ABC Studios since 2004. Netflix also recently hired black thought leader Verna Myers as vice president of “inclusion strategy” at the network, following their firing of Chief Communications Officer Jonathan Friedland over his use of the n-word during a team meeting.
“Channing is a creative force whose taste and talent have earned her the admiration of her peers across the industry. She’s a risk taker and ground-breaker and talent love working with her. I couldn’t be happier to welcome her to Netflix,” said Netflix chief content officer, Ted Sarandos.
Before her history-making role at ABC, Dungey oversaw the broadcast network’s drama department, taking charge of the development of Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder, Black-ish, and Once Upon a Time. With her new move to the popular streaming platform, she’ll be reuniting with Rhimes/Shondaland and Barris. Issa family reunion.
Netflix also has a deal with the Obamas and their Higher Ground Productions, so Dungey will naturally be working with them, too, per The Hollywood Reporter. She wins.
“I’m drawn to the forward-thinking, risk-taking and creative culture at Netflix, and the deeply talented people there, especially Ted and Cindy, with whom I’m excited to partner on setting the strategy for original content,” said Dungey. “Given that ABC, the place I’ve called home for nearly 15 years, represents the gold standard of traditional broadcast, it feels like the perfect next step for me to join Netflix, the unparalleled leader in streaming. I’m invigorated by the challenges ahead and the opportunity to forge new relationships, and excited for the very welcome reunion with incredible talent.”
Dungey is scheduled to start her new role at Netflix in February. Congrats to Channing Dungey, the Strong Black Executive!