Hoppe, who has been chief programming executive and general manager of general audience programming at PBS, will become ABC News’ senior vice president for long-form programming. She will oversee will oversee all ABC News long form programming, including Lincoln Square Productions, 20/20 work and digital features.
When Discovery, The Learning Channel, History, Bravo, A&E and similar networks emerged, there was a real fear it could lead to the death of PBS. Each specialized network would pick off a portion of PBS’ audience for programs on science, nature, history and the arts. Founded as an alternative to commercial TV, PBS was losing what made it unique. Yet in the past few years, these cable networks discovered that it was much more profitable to create reality TV stars. PBS’ path was cleared, and it is making the most of its new chance.
Beth Hoppe, who joined the public broadcaster last year from Discovery Studios, has been promoted to chief programming executive. Former programming head John Wilson, an 18-year veteran of PBS, becomes senior VP of pledge strategy and special projects.
