Lifetime has announced that longtime ABC reality programming executive Andrea Wong has been hired as the cable network's new president and CEO of entertainment services. The new position will have Wong overseeing all the day-to-day operations for Lifetime.
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"Andrea is a straight shooter who is smart enough to know which challenges to undertake and fearless enough to see them through. She is also a true 'consumer-facing' executive, one who understands her audience and uses her experience to speak to them in compelling ways," said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television Group. "Her entrepreneurial style, combined with a deep understanding of the television industry, will serve Lifetime and its amazingly dedicated team well."
Wong had served as executive vice president of alternative programming, specials and late-night for ABC Entertainment since May 2004. Wong originally joined the ABC group as vice president in 1998 and was promoted to senior vice president in 2000.
During her tenure, ABC launched dozens of reality shows including Dancing with the Stars; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; Wife Swap; Supernanny; as well as The Bachelor and its The Bachelorette spin-off. Wong was a particularly strong champion of Dancing with the Stars, the reality ballroom dancing competition that has become an unlikely hit for the network.
"I am fully aware that this may sound like the craziest show anyone has ever heard of," Wong said when the network first announced its April 2004 plans to launch an American adaptation of Strictly Come Dancing, a popular British series that had already spawned several other international editions. "But in a world where it's easier for reality series to imitate than innovate, I just loved how fresh this format is. And the show's global success just shows how audiences around the world find it to be surprising, and undeniably fun."
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Wong's Lifetime move is expected to result in the sagging cable network, a 50/50 joint venture between The Hearst Corporation and ABC's Walt Disney parent, deciding to beef up its own reality programming slate.
"Lifetime is one of the most distinct, powerful and evocative brands on television, and I'm thrilled... with the opportunity to shepherd it into the future," said Wong. "I'm especially looking forward to working with the incredibly talented group of people at Lifetime to unearth future growth opportunities that will extend and deepen Lifetime's marketplace dominance."
ABC will name Wong's replacement "in the coming weeks," Daily Variety reported Thursday.
"We all wish Andrea the best as she steps into this next challenge," ABC Entertainment president Steve McPherson told Variety. "We know first-hand how much she brings to the table, and Lifetime is lucky to get her. At ABC, Andrea built our alternative programming division into a competitive force. One of her greatest achievements has been the remarkable team she's assembled, who will continue to build our brand with strong, innovative alternative programming."
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio