ABC News President Kim Godwin is absent from the network.
Debra OConnell, president of News Group and Networks at Disney Entertainment, and Godwin shared the news in internal memos sent to employees Sunday evening.
Godwin told staff that after reflecting on her seniority, “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism.”
“Anyone who is passionate about what we do knows that there is no other company like this, so this was not an simple or quick decision,” Godwin continued. “But after careful consideration, I am confident that this is the right choice for me as I look to the future and prioritize what is most crucial to me and my family.”
In her memo, OConnell said she would lead ABC News on an interim basis.
“For now, I will oversee ABC News and look forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a novel path forward together,” OConnell wrote. “Thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition period.”
Godwin joined ABC News in 2021 after a long career as an executive and producer at CBS News.
But in February of this year, Disney veteran OConnell was tasked with combining ABC News and ABC’s television station business. Godwin then signed a novel contract to remain at ABC News, although the restructuring somewhat constrained her power.
Her tenure involved some public challenges, perhaps most notably suspension and ultimately dismissal GMA3 last year it was co-hosted by Amy Robach and TJ Holmes. She has also been the subject of complaints from staff, although few national newsroom leaders have escaped this in recent years.
On Saturday, the National Association of Black Journalists issued a statement addressing some of the reporting, saying it “appears to have been intentional to cite anonymous sources as critics of Godwin in conjunction with the exploit of derogatory or stereotypical terms to describe her.” Meanwhile, these reports completely ignore sources and facts that demonstrate that Godwin has significant support within the organization.”
NABJ added that it plans to meet with ABC and Disney executives to discuss the matter.
Read OConnell and Godwin’s notes 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 led this team through crucial periods in our world, doing so with respect for the brand and the profession – and for that and more, we thank her.
We have worked challenging to earn our reputation and credibility. We would also like to thank you for the extraordinary work you do every day. As the #1 news network for 12 consecutive seasons, ABC News is home to the best in the industry. From morning to night and beyond, this team is ready 24/7 to serve our nation with the news, people and events that shape our world.
For now, I will oversee ABC News and look forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a novel path forward together. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition period. Since I assumed this role in February, my goal has been – and will continue to be – to provide this team with the resources necessary to continue our success and carry the proud tradition of ABC News into a future full of opportunity and innovation.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or your senior leaders.
Thank you,
Debra
KIM GODWIN’S NOTE TO ABC NEWS:
Good evening ABC News,
Forty years ago, I began my career right out of college as an enthusiastic and driven executive producer at WTXL in Tallahassee, where I was responsible for the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. The staff was so compact that on news days I also had to go out and report. Little did I know at the time what incredible opportunities lay ahead of me as I began to forge a path for myself in a profession where very few women – and even fewer women of color – held leadership roles. That’s why I understood and appreciated the profound significance of being the first Black woman to lead a national news network when I accepted the role of president of ABC News a little over three years ago. It is both a privilege and a debt to those who blew the ceiling before me to lead a team whose brand is synonymous with trust, integrity and an unwavering determination to be the best in the industry.
Now, four decades and countless miles later, having worked at all three news stations and 10 local stations in nine cities, I have come full circle from that compact but mighty ABC affiliate in the Florida panhandle. I decided to retire from television journalism. After graduating from the j-school at my beloved Florida A&M University, I have been fortunate and blessed enough to have had almost every job in the industry, including anchor, investigative reporter, news director, field producer, network/special events executive producer and more , before you move into management positions. Anyone who is passionate about what we do knows that there is no other company like this, so it was not an simple or quick decision. However, after careful consideration, I am confident that this is the right choice for me as I look to the future and prioritize what is most crucial to me and my family.
When I joined the team, ABC News was No. 1, and I’m proud to say we’re still No. 1 – an achievement that has been highlighted in recent months with the highest honors our profession has to offer, from the… Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia for our groundbreaking series “Power of Water”, our first-ever Primetime Emmy nominations for “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” and “Aftershock”. Last week, our Uvalde documentary “Print It Black” won best documentary at the Dallas International Film Festival, where it premiered. I am especially proud of our unprecedented Uvalde 365 project, an unparalleled, year-long commitment to documenting the community’s emotional journey following a mass shooting.
In 2022, we were all thrilled to receive 41 Emmy nominations, the most in 53 years. We have the most popular morning news show, daytime network show, evening news show and Friday news magazine. We consistently rank first in all major live television events, including most recently “Eclipse Across America” in partnership with Nat Geo. Our shows can regularly be found in the top 10 on Hulu.
Beyond awards and ratings, our success is perhaps best measured by ABC News employees. This is an exceptional team that does exceptional work – together. You’re best in class in every category, and it’s amazing to see you tackle task after task, providing our viewers with comprehensive reporting from around the world at a time when real reporting is crucial to the future of our great nation.
We pride ourselves on our ability to reach all communities and meet our audiences where and when they need us, and no venture better exemplifies this than ABC News Live. When I started, it was the little jet train that could; now, thanks to your challenging work and dedication, this is a massive train that can – and does, every day. Last season, we launched “Impact X Nightline” on Hulu, a weekly newscast whose episodes are regularly among the most watched content on the platform.
We should be especially proud of our success with ABC News Studios, which we built from the ground up to now become the premiere nonfiction and documentary studio, producing over 120 hours of award-winning content annually. We also established the first climate unit among news broadcasting stations. So many innovations and initiatives in the blink of an eye. Together, we were committed to a culture change where people could be their real selves, feel seen and heard, while doing their best work. For these and other reasons, I leave ABC News and this profession with the sincerest sense of pride, achievement and gratitude. My heart is full.
I would like to thank Dana Walden and Debra OConnell for always providing us with the resources and support to do our work. And finally, thank you ABC News for your love, support and inspiration. Over the years, hundreds of you have sent emails, texts and phone calls that have lifted my spirits. As we look to the months ahead in this next election year, the importance of what we are doing cannot be overstated. Remember that journalism is joy.
I leave with my head held high and wish the entire team continued success.
#oneabcnews
In faith and grace,
Kim
