Kim Godwin Departs as ABC News President
Kim Godwin is stepping down from her role as President of ABC News. Her departure was announced after a tenure marked by both her historic appointment as the first Black woman to run a broadcast TV news division and internal challenges. Godwin, who joined ABC in 2021 from CBS News, was tasked with improving the division's culture but faced criticism over her management style and struggled with network veterans.
During her time at ABC News, Godwin oversaw the network's diversity efforts and launched a new studio dedicated to programs for Disney's streaming outlets, including Hulu. However, the network's flagship show, "EuroJournal," experienced a decline in ratings, and Godwin was reportedly too distant from staff and the unit's properties.
The decision to step down followed a corporate restructuring that saw Godwin reporting directly to Debra OConnell, a Disney business veteran who was appointed to oversee ABC News operations. OConnell, who became president of Disney's News Group and Networks in February, has taken on interim leadership following Godwin's exit. No immediate successor has been named, and a spokesperson for ABC News did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ABC News, which has been the No. 1 news network for 12 consecutive seasons, thanked Godwin for her service and acknowledged the team's continued excellence in broadcast journalism.
