ABC News President Kim Godwin Announces Retirement Amid Turmoil
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Kim Godwin, president of ABC News (Lean Left bias), announced on Sunday that she is stepping down.
Key Quotes: “I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin said in the email to ABC News staff Sunday night. “Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision. 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.” Shortly before her announcement, the National Association of Black Journalists released a statement supporting her, stating, “We are concerned over recent media reports that seem to be written with the intention of undermining the leadership of the first Black woman to take the helm of a global news organization.”
How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum reported that dysfunction within the outlet led to her stepping down. The Daily Caller (Right bias) reported that staffers have been “appalled by Godwin’s leadership style and the several vacant seats of key positions.” The New York Times (Lean Left bias) reported that the turmoil is more a result of overall struggles in the media industry, less so due to the actions of Godwin. The Wall Street Journal (Center bias) reported that Godwin was “often criticized by current and former ABC News staffers for not being as involved in the day-to-day operations compared with her predecessors.”
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
ABC News’s President, Kim Godwin, to Step DownKim Godwin, the president of ABC News, told employees on Sunday night that she was leaving the network, capping a tumultuous three-year tenure.
In an email to employees, Ms. Godwin said she had reached her decision after a period of “considerable reflection.”
“Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision,” she said in her note. “I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for...
From the Center
ABC News President Kim Godwin Is Stepping DownABC News President Kim Godwin stepped down Sunday night, months after a corporate restructuring that effectively stripped away much of her management autonomy.
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin, 60, said in the email sent to staff Sunday night. “Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision. 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...
From the Right
ABC’s ‘Historic’ Diversity Hire Out Of Top Spot Amid Rumors Her Incompetence Shocked Higher UpsABC News President Kim Godwin stepped down Sunday night following an investigation into her management of her network.
The overseer of the network, Debra O’Connell, opened a corporate investigation into Godwin and other senior executives over the growing frustration among staffers, vacant top positions and the drop in ratings at its prominent program, “Good Morning America.” Several people alleged Godwin dedicated more time to her profile than creating success in the news division, and that her mismanagement “shocked” O’Connell, WSJ reported.
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin...
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