ABC Family Worldwide

ABC Family Worldwide

The logo of ABC Family Worldwide

ABC Family Worldwide was a company that owned and operated the ABC Family television network, which is now known as Freeform. The network was known for its family-oriented programming and was a significant player in the cable television industry.

History

ABC Family Worldwide was originally founded as the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Satellite Service in 1977 by Pat Robertson. It was initially a religious channel but gradually expanded its programming to include family-friendly entertainment.

In 1990, the channel was renamed the Family Channel and became a popular destination for family programming. In 1997, it was sold to Fox Family Worldwide, a joint venture between News Corporation and Saban Entertainment.

In 2001, The Walt Disney Company acquired Fox Family Worldwide and rebranded the network as ABC Family. The acquisition allowed Disney to expand its reach in the cable television market and integrate the channel into its portfolio of family-oriented networks.

Programming

ABC Family was known for its mix of original series, movies, and acquired programming. The network targeted a young adult audience with shows that often focused on themes of family, relationships, and coming-of-age stories.

Some of the notable original series that aired on ABC Family include Pretty Little Liars, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and Switched at Birth. The network also aired popular holiday programming blocks such as "25 Days of Christmas".

Rebranding to Freeform

In 2016, ABC Family was rebranded as Freeform to better reflect its target audience of "Becomers"—a term used to describe viewers in the 14-34 age range. The rebranding was part of a strategy to appeal to a younger demographic and to differentiate the network from its family-oriented past.

Related pages

• Freeform (TV channel)
• The Walt Disney Company
• Family Channel (American TV network)
• Christian Broadcasting Network