ABC News President Kim Godwin Steps Down

ABC News President Kim Godwin announced her resignation on Sunday night, following a period of corporate restructuring that reduced her management authority significantly.

In an email sent to staff, Godwin stated, “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism.”

She acknowledged the unique and demanding nature of the industry, expressing that her decision wasn’t easy but was based on personal priorities and family considerations.

There is no immediate successor named for Godwin, who assumed the role of president in 2021.

Godwin's retirement aligns with a restructuring in February, which placed Debra OConnell as her new superior. OConnell, serving as president of Disney’s news group, is a seasoned company executive with a thorough understanding of ABC News, having assessed operations across Disney’s networks as part of a corporate evaluation.

Upon joining ABC News from CBS, Godwin faced significant challenges within the news division. While ABC News maintained its status as a ratings leader, internal reports indicated a competitive and challenging work environment.

However, Godwin's leadership style and decisions were divisive within the network. Critics argue that her management approach stifled open dialogue and dissent while struggling to address issues such as declining ratings on “Good Morning America.”

As Godwin's departure unfolds, ABC News anticipates a transition period and potential changes in leadership to address ongoing challenges and foster a more collaborative and effective work culture.