Kim Godwin has been tapped as the new president of ABC News, making her the first Black woman to run a broadcast TV news division.
The news follows Godwin’s exit from CBS News.
“I have immense respect and admiration for ABC News,” Godwin said in a statement. “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 served as an executive vice president at CBS News after joining the in 2007 after holding several positions in local TV news. She helped oversee newsrooms at all the CBS-owned and operated TV stations.
Godwin’s appointment comes as several major broadcasters are reshuffling their boards amid claims of misconduct and toxic working environments, with corporations turning to women of color to help right their wrongs.
Godwin will start her new role at ABC in early May and report to Peter Rice, chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content.
“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,” Peter Rice, chairman of Disney general entertainment content, 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’s new appointment comes months after Conde named Rashida Jones president of MSNBC. The decision made Jones the first Black female executive to run a major general news cable network.
