The Walt Disney Co. signed the president of ABC, Stephen McPherson, to a new contract after months of talks. It is relying on him to generate new hits despite a possible actors strike this
summer and other industry woes. Because McPherson has sometimes had a testy relationship with colleagues, his contract renewal had not been a sure thing.
Since McPherson took over, ABC
has risen to second place from last among the four major broadcast networks in the valued 18-49 demo group. He was also involved in some of TV's biggest hits recently, including "Grey's Anatomy"
and "Dancing with the Stars."