ABC News president and former diversity head of CBS News Kim Godwin announced that she is stepping down from her role.
Godwin became the first black person to lead a broadcast television news division in 2021.
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin wrote in an email to staff. “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.”
Disney Networks president Debra OConnell thanked Godwin in a statement: “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 navigated this team through consequential times in our world, and she did so with respect for the brand and profession – and for that and more, we thank her.”
An employee told Puck News that Disney “fell into the trap of the soft bigotry of low expectations and appointed someone everyone knows is unqualified to do the job,” adding, “Now [they] are worried that firing the first black woman would be an act of racism, when she is simply bad at her job.”
Donald Trump celebrated Godwin’s resignation on Truth Social, writing, “Happy to report that Kim Godwin, Head of ABC, has resigned.”
“Could it be the unfair reporting on EVERYTHING TRUMP? In any event, GOOD RIDDANCE! Hopefully somebody else will be able to control George Slopadopolous and the rest of the Fake News Thugs over at ABC? Best wishes Kim!”
