At the top of the year, ABC News announced that its president James Goldston would be stepping away from his role in March. Under Goldston's leadership, ABC's World News Tonight became the nation's most watched evening news program. Adding on, Good Morning America became the country's most watched morning news program. Not to mention, the network has launched a 24-hours news platform known as ABC News Live. With his departure, there were big shoes that needed to be filled and fast.
“It’s a really tough decision,” Goldston said as he stepped down.
“I’ve loved every day of my 17 years at ABC News, but in recent times I’ve always assumed that after this extraordinary election cycle, which we’ve covered at a full sprint for four years, it would be time for a change. After a great deal of reflection over the last few months, I’m ready for a new adventure.”
Months after Goldston's departure, it appears that ABC News has found its next president, Kim Godwin. In this role, Godwin will become the first Black woman to lead a broadcast news network. She joins the network after serving as the vice president of news at CBS.
“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,” Disney General Entertainment Content Chairman Peter Rice said in a statement.
“Throughout Kim’s career in global news organizations and local newsrooms, she has distinguished herself as a fierce advocate for excellence, collaboration, inclusion and the vital role of accurate and transparent news reporting."
Godwin will join the network in May.
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