ABC Family to Freeform TV

<p> Launched in 1977 by the Christian Broadcasting Service (originally associated with Pat Robertson) the ABC Family/Freeform network has gone through a number of changes in name and ownership. Over the past decade the network--now owned by Disney--has redefined family programming for its targeted 14- to 34-year-old demographic addressing topics like lesbian and gay parenting postfeminism and changing perceptions of women the issue of race in the U.S. and the status of disability in American culture. </p><p> This collection of new essays examines the network from a variety of perspectives with a focus on inclusive programming that has created a space for underrepresented communities like transgender youth overweight teens and the deaf.</p>