Freeform Names New President Tara Duncan

Freeform has found its new president, following Tom Ascheim’s departure last month.

Fomer Netflix executive Tara Duncan has been named the network’s new chief. She’ll oversee strategic planning, brand development, content strategy, original programming, production, scheduling, finance, research, marketing and communications at Freeform, beginning on June 8.

“Tara is an exceptionally skilled executive and a seasoned producer who is bringing a wealth of experience, across linear channels and streaming platforms, to her new role,” said Dana Walden, chairman, Disney Television Studios and ABC Entertainment, in a statement. “Getting her inside of Walt Disney Television has been a priority and I am thrilled she will be leading the formidable Freeform team.”

Just last month, Duncan had set an overall producing deal at Hulu, where she had worked on projects including an adaptation of Zakiya Dalila Harris’ novel, The Other Black Girl. She previously worked at Netflix as a senior creative executive, overseeing shows like Orange is the New Black and Narcos.

This makes her the rare executive to move from streaming to linear at a time when so many of her peers are exiting network roles to work at streaming services.

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