Curtain call for Anne Sweeney - sudden exit for Disney/ABC boss

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Co-Chair of Disney Media Networks and President of Disney/ABC Television Group Anne Sweeney speaks onstage during the Girls Inc. Los Angeles Celebration Luncheon at Beverly Hills Hotel on November 20, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images)

Anne Sweeney, one of television’s most powerful women, has announced that she will step down from her post as president of the Disney-ABC Television group. She began her career at Nickelodeon and FX and has been with Disney since 1996.

Anne Sweeney, one of television’s most powerful women, has announced that she will step down from her post as president of the Disney-ABC Television group. She began her career at Nickelodeon and FX and has been with Disney since 1996. Sweeney is leaving her position at Disney with plans to follow her creative aspirations by pursuing a career in television directing.

In a statement Sweeney said, “The past 18 years at Disney have been the highlight of my executive career. I’ve been part of an amazing evolution in our business and our industry, and have achieved far more than I ever thought possible.”

Both Sweeney and other Disney Executives have said in interviews that Sweeney made the decision to leave voluntarily. However, there has been some speculation that lack of opportunity for future promotion may have been a factor in Sweeney’s decision to leave Disney.

What does Sweeney’s departure mean for the future of Disney? Who will replace Sweeney?

Guest:

Meg James, Los Angeles Times reporter covering the business of television