After viral reports about tension within the network, ABC News President Kim Godwin is stepping down from his position.
In an email sent to staff on Sunday evening, Godwin announced that she would be retiring from her position after being appointed in 2021.
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin said in the email obtained by Fox News Digital.
She continued: “Anyone who is passionate about what we do knows that there is no other business like this, so it was not an easy or quick decision. But after considerable reflection, I am confident that it is the right choice for me while I look to the future.” and prioritize what is most important to me and my family.
ABC News President Kim Godwin reportedly faced backlash at ABC News over her leadership style. (Dipasupil Day/Getty Images)
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Godwin also praised the network for hiring her as the first Black woman to head a national news network.
“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 just over three years ago. It is both a privilege and a debt to those who contributed to it. 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,” he said.
Disney Networks president Debra O’Connell also sent a statement thanking Godwin for his work.
“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 guided this team through momentous times in our world, and she did so with respect for the brand and the profession. And for that and more, we thank you,” OConnell wrote.
Kim Godwin was named president of ABC News in May 2021. (ABC)
OConnell also stated that he would lead the ABC News division as they move through this “transitional period.”
Godwin reportedly faced internal backlash at the network over his leadership style, as frustrated ABC members argued that OConnell needed to take action.
“You have to act quickly,” says a person close to ABC’s internal operations. he told CNN by O’Connell. “People there are restless. They are extremely frustrated.”
Several ABC News staff members also told CNN that Godwin had made several major mistakes, including creating an inner circle that has “alienated staff,” according to the report.
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Godwin has also privately complained about being micromanaged by OConnell, according to Puck News. The outlet reported that in conversations with several current ABC News employees, that “representation” and the fact that Godwin is the first black woman to head a broadcast news division had become the obvious underlying issue in any discussion about the future. of the company. and her possible dismissal.
O’Connell will temporarily lead ABC News after Godwin’s departure. (ABC)
“Race in the workplace is so nuanced that it can easily be used as a weapon by all sides and bad actors of any race,” a black ABC News veteran told Puck.
“Disney fell into the soft bigotry trap of low expectations and appointed someone who everyone knows is not qualified to do the job… Now [they] “They fear that firing the first black woman is an act of racism, when she is simply bad at her job,” the person continued.
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Fox News’ Hanna Panreck contributed to this article.
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