Disney Splits Television Group Into 2 Units

Walt Disney Co. has split its television group into two units with the departure of former president Dean Valentine, who has joined UPN as president and chief executive. Disney named Charles Hirschhorn president of Walt Disney Television and executive vice president of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group. In addition to the Wonderful World of Disney, which produces movies for ABC, Hirschhorn will be responsible for the company’s direct-to-video business and its television animation group. Disney also announced the promotion of David Neuman to president of Walt Disney Network Television, which develops programs for prime time. Both executives will report to Joe Roth, chairman of Walt Disney Studios.(Sallie Hofmeister)