ABC News President Kim Godwin is resigning following viral reports of tensions within the network.
In an email to employees Sunday night, Godwin announced that he will retire from his position in 2021 following his appointment.
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin said in an email obtained by Fox News Digital.
He continued, “It was not an easy or quick decision because I know that there is no business like this for people who are passionate about what we do, but after thinking about it, I was convinced that it was the right job for me considering the future.” “Prioritize what is most important to you and your family.”
ABC News President Kim Godwin has reportedly received backlash from ABC News over her leadership style. (Dia Dipaspil/Getty Images)
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Godwin also praised the network for hiring her as the first Black woman to lead a national news network.
“When I accepted the role of president of ABC News three years ago, I understood and appreciated the profound significance of becoming the first Black woman to lead a national broadcast news network. It is a privilege and a debt to those who have taken their money away from us. “That’s what lies ahead of me: leading a team whose brand stands for relentless determination to be the best,” she said.
Disney Networks President Debra OConnell 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 led this team through a critical time for our world, and she has done so with respect for the brand and the profession. She did, and more than that, we are grateful to her,” OConnell wrote.
Kim Godwin was appointed president of ABC News in May 2021. (ABC)
OConnell also said he would lead the ABC News division through this “transition period.”
Godwin is said to have faced backlash within the network over his leadership style, with frustrated insiders at the ABC insisting OConnell must take action.
“She needs to take swift action,” a person close to ABC’s internal operations told CNN of OConnell. “People there are restless. They are extremely frustrated.”
Several ABC News employees also told CNN that Godwin made several key mistakes, including creating an inner circle that alienated employees.
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According to Puck News, Godwin also privately complained that OConnell was micromanaging him. The outlet reported that in conversations with several current ABC News employees, “representation” and the fact that Godwin is the first Black woman to lead the broadcast news department have become clear and fundamental issues in any discussions about the company’s future. , and her possible dismissal.
OConnell will lead ABC News on an interim basis following Godwin’s departure. (alphabet)
“Race in the workplace is so nuanced that it can be easily weaponized by bad actors from all sides and all races,” a Black ABC News veteran told Puck.
“Disney fell into the soft bigotry trap of low expectations and appointed someone who everyone knew wasn’t qualified for the job… Now (they) know that firing the first black woman would be an act of racism.” I’m worried that I’m not good at my job.” The man continued talking.
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Fox News’ Hanna Panreck contributed to this article.
