ABC News head Sherwood to replace Disney's Sweeney

Associated Press

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Disney says ABC News President Ben Sherwood will replace Anne Sweeney, the longtime Disney/ABC Television Group president who announced two weeks ago that she was quitting to direct TV shows.

Sherwood was immediately named co-president along with Sweeney. He will take over as the sole president on Feb. 1, when Sweeney steps down. Sherwood will also become co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, which oversees all of the company's TV offerings.

The other co-chairman of Disney Media Networks is ESPN President John Skipper.

Sherwood has been touted for helping ABC's "Good Morning America" become the top-rated morning show since 2012. That ended the 16-year reign of NBC's "Today" on top.