Disney-owned ABC News has made history by appointing Kimberly Godwin as the broadcast news network’s President, making her the first Black woman to lead a major broadcast news division. She will join ABC News in early May and report to Disney General Entertainment Content Chairman Peter Rice.
Godwin is a 14-year CBS veteran and will wield her experience to help her oversee editorial and business operations for broadcast, digital, streaming and audio news across the organization. This makes her the executive in charge of ABC News’ iconic franchises like Good Morning America, 20/20, Nightline, and The View.
“I have immense respect and admiration for ABC News,” Godwin . “As the most trusted brand in news, they are to be commended for the extraordinary work and dedication of the journalists, producers, executives and their teams across the organization. I am honored to take on this stewardship and excited for what we will achieve together.”
Godwin is making the jump to ABC from broadcast news rival CBS News, where was most recently the EVP of News. Since joining CBS in 2007 she also served as VP of News, CBS News’ Executive Director for Development and Diversity, and a Senior Broadcast Producer for CBS Evening News. Prior to her tenure at the network Godwin spent 20 years at various local news stations across the United States, including WCBS-TV in New York City, KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, KXAS-TV in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, and WOIO/WUAB in Cleveland.
“Kim is an instinctive and admired executive whose unique experiences, strengths and strategic vision made her the ideal choice to lead the outstanding team at ABC News and build on their incredible success,” Rice said.
Godwin’s appointment is another stepping stone to greater diversity at the top of news organizations. In December 2020, Rashida Jones became the first Black executive to lead a major cable news network after she was named President of NBCUniversial's MSNBC.
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