Channing Dungey joins Netflix as vice-president of original content, will work with Shonda Rhimes and the Obamas.

Channing Dungey, the former ABC Entertainment president who left the American broadcast TV network is joining the global video streamer Netflix as vice-president of original content from February 2019 where she will be working with Rhonda Rhimes and former American president Barack Obama on his documentary series.

Channing Dungey will report to Cindy Holland, also Netflix vice-president of original content.

In the newly-created role for Channing Dungey, she and Cindy Holland will create and implement the strategy for Netflix's original series and will oversee a large part of the programming slate, including Netflix's overall production deals with writer-producers ranging from Shonda Rhimes, Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions, as well as Jenji Kohan, Kenya Barris, Steven DeKnight and Marti Noxon.

"Channing is a creative force whose taste and talent have earned her the admiration of her peers across the industry. She's a risk taker and ground-breaker and talent love working with her. I couldn't be happier to welcome her to Netflix," says Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer in a statement.

Cindy Holland says "We're delighted to be adding Channing's expertise, leadership and deep experience to Netflix, and I look forward to partnering with her as we continue to grow and evolve our global network. I have been a fan of her character and approach from our early days as executives".

Channing Dungey says "I'm drawn to the forward-thinking, risk-taking and creative culture at Netflix, and the deeply talented people there, especially Ted and Cindy, with whom I'm excited to partner on setting the strategy for original content".

"Given that ABC, the place I've called home for nearly 15 years, represents the gold standard of traditional broadcast, it feels like the perfect next step for me to join Netflix, the unparalleled leader in streaming."

"I'm invigorated by the challenges ahead and the opportunity to forge new relationships, and excited for the very welcome reunion with incredible talent."

First black woman becomes the boss at a major American TV network as Channing Dungey replaces the ousted Paul Lee who was pushed out in a power struggle.

The first black woman has been appointed as the boss at a major American TV network, with Channing Dungey taking over after the abrupt ouster of Paul Lee who was pushed out and kicked to the curb in an internal power struggle.

ABC shows are most visible in South Africa on M-Net's set of TV channels on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform.

These ABC titles range from hits like Grey's Anatomy and Scandal (called The Fixer in South Africa) to disappointments like The Muppets and Agent Carter on M-Net (DStv 101), as well as shows like How to Get Away with Murder, Blackish, Pretty Little Liars and Quantico on Vuzu Amp (DStv 114).

The New York Times first reported how Paul Lee has been pushed out and forced to resign after an acrimonious internal power struggle with his boss, Ben Sherwood, chairman of the Disney-ABC Television Group.

Plummeting ratings for ABC was used as an excuse to get rid of Paul Lee, with Channing Dingey now taking over as ABC entertainment president.

According to the New York Times, Paul Lee and Ben Sherwood "repeatedly clashed".

With sagging ratings, ABC fell from third to the joint fourth rated TV network in America.

ABC is also having content problems like behind-the-scenes troubles at new dramas like Shonda Rhimes' upcoming The Catch that will be shown on M-Net, The Muppets that is getting retooled, as well as the Biblical period drama Of Kings & Prophets that's filmed in South Africa and already underwent several reshoots.

Both shows have seen their original premiere dates being pushed backed because of troubles.

After the news of Paul Lee's ouster broke, Disney that owns ABC didn't respond to multiple calls for comment.

Eventually on Wednesday night, a hilariously fake-friendly press release:

"Leading ABC has been a fantastic experience. I'm especially proud of the incredible team I built and the strategic, creative vision we established and successfully executed for both the network and studio, said Paul Lee in a statement, making no mention that he was forced to abruptly resign and of the clashes with Ben Sherwood.

"Channing Dungey is a gifted leader and a proven magnet for top creative talent, with an impressive record of developing compelling, breakthrough programming that resonates with viewers," said Ben Sherwood in the statement, announcing her appointment.

So sudden is the appointment of Channing Dungey that there is nobody yet to take over her position as ABC's executive vice president for drama development, movies and miniseries.

"We thank Paul Lee for his many accomplishments at ABC and his devotion to the ABC brand, and we wish him continued success in the future," said Ben Sherwood in the statement and who orchestrated Paul Lee's ouster according to The New York Times.

In the statement Channing Dungey says: "I'm thrilled and humbled that Ben Sherwood has entrusted me with this tremendous opportunity. And I am truly grateful to Paul Lee for being a valued mentor and friend. I've had the great honor of working alongside the talented team at ABC for many years and look forward to starting this exciting new chapter with them".