May 6th 2024.
After dedicating many years to the news industry, Kim Godwin has decided to step down from her role as the president of ABC News. This comes shortly after she signed a three-year contract extension, a testament to her dedication and success in the company. Throughout her career, Godwin has worked at ABC, CBS, and NBC, as well as various local news stations in nine different cities. However, on Sunday, she announced her retirement from the industry, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and determination.
As the first Black woman to lead a network news division, Godwin has been a trailblazer in the industry. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead a team known for their trust, integrity, and determination to be the best. Under her leadership, ABC News saw great success, with its flagship programs, World News Tonight and Good Morning America, leading the ratings race against competitors CBS and NBC. However, as an outsider recruited from CBS News, Godwin faced criticism for her management approach, with some expressing discontent publicly.
In a heartfelt message to her staff, Godwin wrote, "It's both a privilege and a debt to those who paved the way for me to lead a team whose brand is synonymous with trust, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence." Her resignation comes after the appointment of Debra O'Connell, a Disney executive who was promoted to supervise the news division earlier this year. This placed Godwin under her lead, hinting at her eventual removal and causing concerns among Black ABC News employees who accused Disney CEO Bob Iger of treating her unfairly. Some critics even went as far as celebrating Godwin's demotion.
The National Association of Black Journalists released a statement in defense of Godwin, stating, "N.A.B.J. will not stay silent about what we believe is unfair treatment, nor will we stand by and watch basic journalism principles be violated to diminish such a historic moment for Black women in news leadership." This comes after Good Morning America, under Godwin's leadership, has struggled in the ratings, losing to NBC's Today show in the key adult under 54 demographic for several months. Even CBS Mornings, who typically trails behind, has outperformed GMA in this demographic on multiple occasions since December.
During Godwin's time as president, several senior ABC News executives were removed, raising concerns about her leadership. This includes Peter Rice, who hired her, and Bob Chapek, the former Disney chief executive who fired Rice. As the division moves forward, O'Connell has confirmed that she will remain in charge for the time being. While Godwin may no longer be at the helm of ABC News, her impact and legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the industry for years to come.
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