ABC NEWS PRESIDENT KIM GODWIN STEPS DOWN ENDING TURBULENT THREE YEAR RUN

ABC News president Kim Godwin unexpectedly announced her departure from the network on Sunday night, ending a turbulent three-year run. Staff members said that Godwin's divisive leadership was the reason behind the outlet's declining employee morale.

In a message that shocked the ABC News office, Godwin informed employees, "I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism."

Godwin added, "I have been fortunate and blessed enough to have done almost every job there is in this business. But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family."

Godwin's sudden exit came after CNN revealed earlier this week that Debra OConnell, the Disney veteran who was appointed in February to manage ABC News as part of her portfolio, was reviewing Godwin's work and had expressed displeasure with the situation at the network in private discussions.

More than two dozen workers and those with knowledge of the network told CNN this week that morale at ABC News has declined dramatically since Godwin assumed control in 2021 and that staff members are dissatisfied with her direction. Because they were not authorised to speak to the press, the staff members spoke to CNN anonymously.

Staffers told CNN that among a litany of other grievances, Godwin committed a number of grave mistakes, such as taking a detached managerial style, failing to create a strategic plan for the newsroom, removing the heads of the talent-relations department, and selecting an inner-circle that alienated the staff. Additionally, although "Good Morning America," the main morning programme of ABC, is still a ratings success, staff members are concerned since the show's viewership has declined recently and it has been in close competition with "CBS Mornings" for third place.

Speaking to CNN in recent days, Godwin's supporters contended that her leadership style was different from what the network's employees were used to under the previous administration, which had adopted a more hands-on approach. Even still, her supporters conceded that she might not have been the best person to head the network.

In a note to staff, OConnell stated that she will be in charge of the network "for the time being."

OConnell expressed gratitude to the staff for their "patience and understanding through this period of transition" and stated that she was "looking forward to working with the leadership team as we forge a new path forward together."

"Since assuming this role in February, my goal has been — and will continue to be — to provide this team with the means necessary to build on our success and carry on the proud tradition of ABC News into a future full of opportunity and innovation," OConnell stated.

According to sources involved with the talks, OConnell had received concerns about Godwin over the last several months. In addition, OConnell had privately expressed dissatisfaction with Godwin's leadership and asked business executives who would be a good fit for the C-suite to assist undo the damage.

People familiar with the subject told CNN that preliminary inquiries had also been made to possible candidates who may be interested in taking over as network president in a post-Godwin era.

Ironically, Godwin joined ABC News three years ago as the first Black woman to oversee a broadcast television news division with the goal of repairing its culture, only to compound its issues and drain the competitive energy that formerly ran through and enlivened the newsroom.

It was unclear when Godwin and ABC News decided to separate, but as recently as Friday, Godwin was in charge of editorial meetings at the Disney-owned network.

Disney revealed in February that Godwin had extended her contract to serve as ABC News' head, despite the fact that OConnell had been given a new position managing her portfolio—a sign that the chief executive Bob Iger was not entirely convinced about Godwin's ability to run the news division.

Godwin complained about being insulated away from Iger and about what she considered Disney's micromanagement in private when OConnell was appointed. Disney declined to comment on Sunday on whether the firm would honour the remaining amount owed to her.

In her note to the staff, Godwin wrote that she is leaving “with my head held high” and that she wished “the entire team continued success.”

2024-05-06T03:13:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd