ABC has promoted ESPN Exec VP/Production Howard Katz to
President of ABC Sports, according to Stephen Battaglio of
the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, who writes that Katz "was chosen
over" ABC Sports Exec VP Brian McAndrew. Network sources
say McAndrew is "expected to exit the company." Katz has
been with ESPN since '93 (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 3/26). DAILY
VARIETY's Josef Adalian calls the promotion an "unexpected
appointment designed, at least in part, to shore up sagging
morale" at ABC. Katz once worked as an ABC Sports PA and
thinks there is a "real concern" for morale at ABC. Katz
added that his "charge is to try to rejuvenate" the division
"rather than simply increase synergy" with ESPN. Katz: "I
did not come here to shut down ABC Sports." Katz hinted
that "MNF" will "once again become a distinct brand at ABC"
rather than existing "with ESPN's Sunday Night Football, as
one-half of Disney's prime time pigskin package." Katz: "I
don't think the two (telecasts) need to be identical." Katz
said that ESPN and ABC "will continue to work together
closely, particularly when it comes to seeking sports rights
packages." He will report to ABC TV Network President Pat
Fili-Krushel (DAILY VARIETY, 3/26). Katz said the growth of
ESPN is "an important corporate priority," but "it shouldn't
be at the expense of ABC Sports" (WALL STREET JOURNAL,
3/26). Katz said a goal is to "keep the Indy 500 in bidding
expected this summer." Katz: "I'm going to try to regain
the tradition of ABC Sports" (USA TODAY, 3/26).
MORE PROMOTIONS AT DISNEY: In other news, ESPN Senior
VP/Production Steve Anderson was promoted to Exec
VP/Production & Technical Operations (ESPN).
