ABC Family unveils Nick veteran as president

US cable channel ABC has unveiled former Viacom executive Tom Ascheim as its new president, who is replacing previous incumbent Michael Riley.

Ascheim has served as general manager of Viacom-owned Nickelodeon Television and CEO of magazine business Newsweek, as well as a more recent role at Sesame Workshop and other financial positions, and will now lead the Disney/ABC Television Group channel.

Riley decided to exit ABC Family after a three-year run after his partner relocated to London. It’s thought he is seeking an international programming role in Europe.

Meanwhile, Ascheim is familiar with Disney Media Networks co-chair and president Anne Sweeney through an intersecting period at Viacom. Sweeney said: “I knew Tom during my time at Nickelodeon, and always thought he was an incredibly smart, strategic executive. Since then, he has only reinforced my opinion of his abilities. Whether in print, television, or the financial sector, Tom has gone from success to success.”