ABC Ups Rouse To Affiliate Relations EVP

The ABC Television Network today promoted John Rouse to executive vice president, affiliate relations and marketing.

Rouse, a nearly 20 year veteran at the ABC Television Network, will continue to oversee all affiliate relations activities, including station relations, affiliate marketing, affiliate operations and business planning.

In this role, he leads affiliate distribution planning and negotiations to maximize the exposure and viewership of ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ESPN on ABC and ABC’s digital initiatives with the more than 200 ABC affiliated and owned stations throughout the United States.

In making the announcement, Ben Pyne, president, global distribution, Disney Media Networks,

Pyne said: “John has been an invaluable asset to our team. His business acumen, vast knowledge of the inner workings of the affiliate-network relationship and his innovative vision helps to ensure we keep ABC and its affiliates in a position to take full advantage of the many business opportunities that lie ahead.”

During Rouse’s tenure, the ABC Television Network and its affiliates have worked together to establish agreements for inventory and promotion exchanges, programming contributions, news video sharing, as well as local enhancements to Watch ABC and ABCNews.com.

Prior to joining the ABC Television Network in 1996, Rouse was VP, Central Division of Disney-ABC Domestic Television, responsible for overseeing all syndication sales activity in that region of the United States. This included the sales and launch of both first-run and off-network series, as well as movies and specials.

He began his career in 1985 with KNBC Los Angeles in the station’s advertising sales division. He subsequently joined MGM/United Artists’ syndication division in 1987 as an account executive, and was subsequently promoted to manager, Eastern Division.

A 1985 graduate of the University of Southern California, Rouse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He has represented The Walt Disney Co. on the NATPE board.