Executive Kim Godwin announced in an internal memo sent to staff on Sunday that she will be resigning from her post as president of ABC News, ending her three-year tenure as the first Black woman to lead the network.
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Ms. Godwin said in the memo. “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.”
Ms. Godwin said the decision came after “considerable reflection” and she believed that “it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important to me and my family.”
“I leave with my head held high and wish the entire team continued success,” she said.
Ms. Godwin also mentioned some of the news division’s achievements during her tenure, which included receiving 41 Emmy nominations in 2022, producing the top daytime network show, and establishing the first climate unit among broadcast news networks.
“Together, we committed to a cultural shift, where people could be their authentic selves, feeling seen and heard, while doing their best work,” Ms. Godwin wrote.
“For all these reasons and more, I depart ABC News and this profession with the sincerest sense of pride, accomplishment and gratitude. My heart is filled,” she added.
No successor has been named to fill her position. Disney Entertainment’s Debra OConnell said in a separate internal memo that she will be overseeing the network “for the time being.” ABC News is a division of The Walt Disney Company.
“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,” Ms. OConnell said.
Ms. OConnell also expressed her “deepest gratitude” to Ms. Godwin for her service as ABC News president.
“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,” she stated.
Ms. Godwin joined ABC News after being recruited as an outsider from CBS News in 2021. She inherited a news division where its two most important programs, “World News Tonight” and “Good Morning America,” led rivals at CBS and NBC in the ratings.
Her resignation came just months after Disney promoted Ms. OConnell to be the president of News Group and Networks in February, a role granting her the oversight of ABC News’ operations and placing Ms. Godwin under her management. Ms. Godwin also renewed her contract to remain as ABC News president that same month.
Ms. OConnell has since conducted a review of the news division and Ms. Godwin’s portfolio. According to reports, Ms. Godwin has faced criticism for her leadership style, particularly regarding her decision to allow TV hosts T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach on air after a tabloid scandal over their off-screen romantic relationship surfaced. Both hosts resigned from the network last year. Several other senior executives were laid off from the network last year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From The Epoch Times
