Kim Godwin has extended her deal to remain as president of ABC News.
The announcement was made shortly after Disney announced that Debra OConnell was being elevated to a newly created role as president, News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment, adding ABC News to her purview that includes the ABC Owned Television Stations and P&L responsibilities across the Disney multiplatform linear entertainment networks. Godwin, along with Chad Matthews, reports to OConnell, adding an additional layer of reporting structure between her and Dana Walden, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment.
“To officially join ABC News with our owned television stations, working with Chad Matthews and under Debra’s leadership, will allow us to better amplify the incredible work we all produce daily,” Godwin wrote in a note to staffers. “Debra and I have collaborated over the last couple of years, and she is a dedicated leader who always champions the best in journalism.”
Godwin joined ABC News in 2021. Although the network’s Good Morning America and World News Tonight still top in total viewers, the network’s rivals have been quick to cite recent ratings gains. (CBS Mornings topped the morning shows on Monday, the day after the network had the Super Bowl).
Godwin has presided over some tumult during her tenure. That has included the departure of T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach last year from GMA3, amid a tabloid scandal over their off-screen romantic relationship, as well as a series of layoffs last year, when she realigned her leadership team. In recent days there has been some buzz about her future at the network.
More to come.
Godwin’s memo to staffers is below:
Good afternoon ABC News,
Almost three years ago, I was offered the incredible opportunity to take on the leadership of ABC News and it’s been nothing short of monumental, working alongside all of you. I was honored then to take on stewardship of the most trusted brand in news and I am even more honored now to continue in the role of president, ABC News.
To officially join ABC News with our owned television stations, working with Chad Matthews and under Debra’s leadership, will allow us to better amplify the incredible work we all produce daily. Debra and I have collaborated over the last couple of years, and she is a dedicated leader who always champions the best in journalism.
At ABC News, we have already launched key editorial initiatives and emerging businesses, including “Impact x Nightline” and ABC News Studios which has catapulted from 11 hours of programming to over 130 hours of breakout success. And we’ve established ABC News Live and “Prime with Linsey Davis” firmly on the map.
Thanks to all of you, we have received countless awards and nominations including our first Primetime Emmy nods, two Peabody Awards and three duPont-Columbia Awards, just to name a few. And I am also proud that we have recruited and appointed an unprecedented number of people of color to continue to diversify our newsroom, bureaus, shows and executives. This is critical to our success.
I want to thank Dana for her support and I also want to thank all of YOU for your hard work, ideas and tenacity.
There is more work to be done. Now let’s get to it.
Kim
OConnell also sent out a memo on Godwin’s renewal.
Hi everyone,
I’d like to take this opportunity to share how excited I am to be bringing ABC News, the ABC Owned Stations and our Networks teams together as one organization. ABC News is the absolute BEST in the business, and we have the ratings to back it up.
I’ve been fortunate to work with Kim over the past couple of years, and it’s a testament to her remarkable leadership that ABC News is still the No. 1 news network in the country. The world-class reporting the entire News team delivers each day is truly exceptional. That’s why I’m pleased to share that Kim has renewed her contract and will continue as president of ABC News.
The internal alignment we announced today is an important and strategic move for our company and a powerful statement to the industry. Together, we stand ready to meet our audiences where, when and how they choose to engage with us, and we will use our many platforms to build on our momentum. We have a long and proud history of superserving our viewers and communities, and as we look to the future, this remains our highest priority.
Over the coming days and weeks, we’ll have opportunities to connect on a more meaningful level. Until then, please know I have the utmost respect for what you do and I’m thrilled about our prospects ahead.
I am especially grateful to Dana Walden for continuing to place her trust in me. And, I want to thank all of you for your hard work, excellence and dedication.
With appreciation,
Debra
