Disney announced its decision to restructure its television operations as it prioritizes its streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu. Among the changes is the closure of its Touchstone label. The extended group will now include all Disney-branded television content made by Disney General Entertainment for children, tweens, teens, and families, such as live-action, animated movies and series, along with unscripted series and specials.
Chairman of Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, Dana Walden made the decision to reduce the conglomerate’s TV studio division and split it into two groups, both of which fall under ABC Signature and 20th Television. Touchstone has shuttered as a result. The decision derived as the company aims to accelerate the growth of its direct-to-consumer businesses.
Walden’s teams are being repositioned to deliver “breakthrough content” to the streamers, alongside Disney’s linear networks ABC, Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic, as well as third parties. As part of the restructure, Karey Burke, currently president of ABC Entertainment, is being upped to president of 20th Television, with entertainment programming now under her oversight.
President of Disney's TV Studios, Craig Hunegs, will move into the role of president of entertainment for Walt Disney Television. He will also oversee a newly formed production unit for unscripted entertainment within the division, as well as 20th Animation, and will lead newly centralized business affairs, production, casting, and creative talent development & inclusion teams.
Touchstone Television will turn into 20th Television, with Carolyn Cassidy serving as EVP of development and Jane Francis moving from Touchstone Television to the post of executive vice president of series for the expanded 20th Television. ABC Signature continues to be led by Jonnie Davis, who now reports to Walden. Bert Salke, president of Touchstone Television, will move into a multi-year overall producing deal with Disney Television Studios and Tara Duncan will continue as president of Freeform.
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