The idea to form the ABS network originated with Ota Gygi, who then enlisted Wynn, who, as the "Fire Chief" on the original "Fire Chief Program" on NBC, was one of the country's best known performers. Despite his professional and financial success, Wynn was concerned about his future and the power the established networks had over the programming policies of their local affiliate stations. It was his hope that ABS would provide a programming alternative, and would also insure a more stable financial future for himself and his family, explaining that "acting is such an uncertain profession, and I want to establish a business for my actor son, Keenan, which will be sane and secure and bring in plenty of profits".