The American Broadcasting System was incorporated in Mar. 1943. The name was changed in Oct. 1944 to American Broadcasting Company, and in Dec. 1944 this company absorbed the Blue Network Company (founded 1942). In Feb. 1953 the American Broadcasting Company merged with United Paramount Theatres to form American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres. In July 1965 the name of the latter was changed to American Broadcasting Companies. American Broadcasting Company still functions as a division of the larger company.