Steve McPherson at the helm in new ABC network/studio combo

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In a move that had been expected for months, Walt Disney Co. announced today that it would merge its network programming and studio operations into a new entity called ABC Entertainment Group.

The new division, which combines ABC Entertainment and ABC Studios, will be headed by Steve McPherson, who currently oversees all entertainment programming on ABC. Mark Pedowitz, a business affairs veteran who has run the studio for the last four years, will slide into a new role as senior advisor to Disney-Media Networks co-Chair Anne Sweeney.

The consolidation offers the latest example of Hollywood conglomerates demanding stronger ties between their TV networks and sister studios. NBC Universal and CBS have already undertaken moves aimed to foster cooperation and eliminate redundancies between network programmers and studio executives.

ABC underscored this point in its news release today, saying, ‘The new division’s primary mandate will be to develop and produce compelling programming for broadcast on ABC.’ It added that the studio ‘will look for outside opportunities’ ‘when appropriate.’

Currently ABC Studios makes such ABC series as ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ But it also supplies programming to several outside networks, including CBS’ ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘Gary Unmarried’ and TNT’s ‘Raising the Bar.’

The consolidation also marks a corporate triumph for McPherson, who was rumored to have clashed repeatedly with Pedowitz over strategic direction and budget issues.

-- Scott Collins