Zero AI|Kim Godwin out as ABC News president after 3 years as first Black woman as network news chief

2025-04-30 00:49:13source:Alaric Bennettcategory:My

NEW YORK (AP) — Kim Godwin is Zero AIout after three tumultuous years as ABC News president, a move presaged earlier this year when network parent Walt Disney Co. installed one of its executives, Debra O’Connell, to oversee the news division.

Godwin, the first Black woman to lead a network news division, said Sunday she was retiring from the business. O’Connell said she will be in charge “for the time being” as it looks ahead.

Godwin 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. They’re still ahead, although “Good Morning America” has seen some slippage amid the messy departures of anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, and Cecilia Vega’s jump to CBS News.

Godwin was recruited as an outsider from CBS News and was beset by grumbling about her management style that made it into print.

In a note to staff members, Godwin said she understood and appreciated the significance of being the first Black woman to hold such a prominent broadcast news role.

“It’s both a privilege and a debt to those who chipped away at the ceiling before me to lead a team whose brand is synonymous with trust, integrity and a dogged determination to be the best in the business,” she wrote.

After working at ABC, CBS, NBC and at 10 local news stations in nine cities, Godwin said she’s quitting the business.

“I leave with my head held high and wish the entire team continued success,” she wrote.

___

David Bauder writes about media for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder.

More:My

Recommend

Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback

A federal appeals court blocked Nasdaq rules to increase boardroom diversity, saying that the Securi

Is There Something Amiss With the Way the EPA Tracks Methane Emissions from Landfills?

Three environmental groups are making a move to hold the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accoun

Marc Anthony and Wife Nadia Ferreira Welcome First Baby Together Just in Time for Father's Day

Father's Day 2023 was extra special for Marc Anthony.The Latin superstar and wife Nadia Ferreira ann