ABC, the American Broadcasting Company, is owned by The Walt Disney Company. Disney has owned ABC since 1996 following a $19 billion merger. ABC operates as part of the Disney Entertainment division, which also includes other major media assets like ESPN, Disney Channel, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and National Geographic. Disney owns ABC's television network, news division (ABC News), and various affiliated stations across the U.S. Additionally, Disney controls ABC's programming library and production studios under this umbrella. In summary, ABC is a key asset within Disney's extensive media and entertainment holdings.