ABC/Heidi Gutman
ABC News president Kim Godwin is out at the network.
Debra OConnell, president, News Group and Networks at Disney Entertainment, and Godwin shared the news in internal memos sent to staff Sunday night.
Godwin told staff that after reflecting on her tenure, “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism.”
“Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision,” Godwin continued. “But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.”
In her memo, OConnell said that she would lead ABC News in the interim.
“For the time being, I will oversee ABC News and I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a new path forward together,” OConnell wrote. “Thank you for your patience and understanding through this period of transition.”
Godwin joined ABC News in 2021 after a long career as an executive and producer at CBS News.
However, she was layered in February of this year, with the Disney veteran OConnell tasked with merging ABC News and the ABC TV stations business. Godwin had signed a new deal to remain at ABC News at that time, though the restructuring limited her authority somewhat.
Her tenure had faced some public challenges, perhaps most notably the suspension and ultimately the firing of GMA3 co-hosts Amy Robach an TJ Holmes last year. She had also been a target of grumbling from staff, though few national newsroom leaders have been spared from that in recent years.
On Saturday, the National Association of Black Journalists released a statement addressing some of the reports, writing that “there seems to be an intentionality to cite anonymous sources as Godwin’s detractors, coupled with the use of derogatory or stereotypical terms to describe her. Meanwhile, these reports are totally ignoring sources and facts that speak to Godwin having significant support inside the organization.”
The NABJ added that it planned to meet with ABC and Disney executives to discuss the matter.
Read OConnell’s and Godwin’s memos below.
NOTE FROM DEBRA OCONNELL TO HER TEAM:
Team,
I wanted to share Kim’s note below. Dana and I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Kim for her service as president of ABC News. Kim has navigated this team through consequential times in our world, and she did so with respect for the brand and profession – and for that and more, we thank her.
Our reputation and credibility are hard earned, and we would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary work you deliver each day. As the No. 1 news network for 12 consecutive seasons and counting, ABC News is home to the best in the business. From morning through daytime, evening and beyond, this team stands ready 24/7 to serve our nation with the news, people and events that shape our world.
For the time being, I will oversee ABC News and I’m looking forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a new path forward together. Thank you for your patience and understanding through this period of transition. Since assuming this role in February, my goal has been – and will continue to be – to provide this team with the means necessary to build on our success and carry on the proud tradition of ABC News into a future full of opportunity and innovation.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or your senior leaders.
Thank you,
Debra
KIM GODWIN NOTE TO ABC NEWS:
Good evening ABC News,
Forty years ago, I began my career fresh out of college as an eager and enthusiastic executive producer at WTXL in Tallahassee, where I was responsible for the 6 and 11 p.m. news. The…
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