Freeform’s Jori Arancio Promoted to ABC SVP Communications Slot

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Freeform communications executive Jori Arancio has been named senior vice president of communications for ABC Entertainment & ABC Studios, ABC executives said Friday.

Arancio, currently Freeform vice president of media relations, will be responsible for all strategic corporate communication efforts; consumer press campaigns; awards outreach; and talent relations for ABC Studios and ABC Entertainment.

Arancio, who has worked for Disney for nearly 20 years, will report to Kevin Brockman, executive vice president, Global Communications, Disney|ABC Television Group.

“Having worked alongside Jori for more than a decade, I’ve witnessed first-hand her unique take on the art of communications and seen the dramatic and impressive results of her efforts,” Brockman said in a statement. “She’s an innovative thinker and a results-driven manager who excels in the social, influencer and digital communications space without losing sight of the importance of traditional media. She’s the perfect person to lead Communications for these two critical businesses.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.