ABC

Guide Note

The American Broadcasting Company, or ABC, operates television and radio networks.

ABC features a variety of shows including news and talk shows, afternoon soap operas, prime time dramas, sitcoms and reality shows as well as sporting events. Popular news and talk programs include Good Morning America, The View, 20/20 and Nightline. All My Children, General Hospital and One Life to Live fill the afternoon soap opera programming. Popular prime time shows include Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and Boston Legal. ABC also airs the reality shows The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, Wife Swap and Oprah's Big Give.

ABC was originally formed in 1943 as "The Blue (radio) Network" by Edward Noble. On April 19, 1948 their first television program was broadcast. The network fought over the following decades with competitors CBS and NBC, airing notable programs such as American Bandstand, The Brady Bunch and The Love Boat.

ABC was purchased by The Walt Disney Company in 1996. In hopes to raise ratings, Disney entered ABC into the reality television market, starting with the popular game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? in 1999.

Fast Facts

1. Launched in 1943 as a radio company
2. Founder was Edward Noble
3. Purchased by The Walt Disney Company in 1996
4. Headquarters in Burbank, CA