ABC executives declined to comment on the announcement last night.

ABC executives have made a strong run at winning the star and may still succeed.

ABC executives point out that those numbers are far from disastrous.

But ABC executives said they would do no such thing.

ABC executives said it was not clear whether the photo in question depicted a minor.

"We think it may actually help the show," a senior ABC executive said.

ABC executives said they might reach $2.4 billion this year, an increase of about 30 percent.

ABC executives will not discuss how much money the network is losing on the show.

ABC executives said the decision to pay for the material was consistent with its editorial policies.

ABC executives declined to discuss the show or the deal.