(BURBANK, Calif.) - Steven M. Bornstein has been named president, ABC Television, it was announced today by Michael D. Eisner, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Robert A. Iger, president and COO. In his new role, Bornstein will oversee the ABC Television Network, ABC's ten owned television stations and Buena Vista Television, a provider of syndicated television programming. Bornstein replaces Robert F. Callahan, president of ABC Broadcast Group, who is leaving for personal reasons that require him to be based on the East Coast. Callahan will remain at ABC through September to help facilitate the transition. "Bob has served ABC and The Walt Disney Company exceptionally well and has made significant contributions to our growth and success," Eisner said. "He is rightfully recognized throughout the industry in both network television and radio." Iger said, "Bob is an outstanding executive and the company is grateful for his tireless work and impressive achievements. We will miss him and wish him well as he focuses on other priorities and endeavors."

Commenting on Bornstein's new role at ABC, Eisner said, "Steve brings a wealth of experience in broadcast, cable and new media. He was instrumental in developing ESPN into the most valuable brand in sports programming. And under his leadership, our Internet business launched groundbreaking initiatives such as Enhanced TV, interactive online content and wireless applications that will provide ABC, as well as Disney's other businesses, with important strategic advantages."

Added Iger: "Steve has a rare combination of experience in old and new media, which makes him a superb choice to lead ABC Television as we pursue new creative initiatives and seek new distribution platforms." Steve Wadsworth, president of Walt Disney Internet Group, and William J. (John) Hare, president of ABC Radio, will report to Iger. Bornstein had served as chairman of Walt Disney Internet Group since September 1999. Previously, he was president of ABC Inc. From 1990 to 1999, Bornstein served as president and CEO of ESPN. In 1993 he also was named vice president of Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. In 1996, he was given the additional title of president, ABC Sports. Bornstein began his career at ESPN in 1980 as manager of programming. Prior to joining ESPN, he spent three years at WOSU-TV in Columbus, Ohio, his last two years serving as executive producer. Callahan was appointed president of ABC Broadcast Group in April of last year. He had served as president of broadcasting, ABC Inc., since February 1999, with responsibility for ABC's owned television and radio stations and the ABC Radio Networks. Previously, he had served since 1996 as president of the ABC Radio Group. In 1990, he was named president of ABC Radio Networks. He began his career at ABC Inc. in 1981 when he joined Fairchild Publications as eastern sales manager of Multichannel News and rose to the position of executive vice president, group publisher running 13 publications. Prior to joining ABC, Callahan worked in account management and media planning at Young & Rubicam, McCann-Erickson and Wells, Rich, Greene, Inc.

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