ABC News chief executive Kim Godwin under scrutiny during Disney-led audit.
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Debra OConnell, a respected and well-known media professional who was chosen by Burbank in February for a position to manage the news network, has been looking into the current state of ABC News since then. She's been direct in expressing the authority she holds, and has received numerous opinions from different corners of the organization in the process. And from what she's gathered, she's not been very impressed with the state of affairs under Godwin.
According to individuals familiar with the issue, OConnell has been stunned by Godwin's management or, in this case, the lack of it at ABC News. In private, she's pointed out several issues that arose on Godwin's watch, criticizing her hands-off leadership style, which she believes has allowed those problems to persist.
OConnell, for instance, was surprised that a year after Godwin removed the head of talent, Galen Gordon, the position is still unfilled. She didn't like seeing ABC News lose its Washington bureau chief, Jonathan Greenberger, only a few months before a momentous presidential election, leaving that position empty. And seeing "CBS Mornings" close in on "Good Morning America" in the ratings has been another source of unease.
What has been most apparent to OConnell is that Godwin's leadership has led to palpable anxiety and dissatisfaction among staff members, who are concerned about ABC News' long-term strategy, especially amid the slow demise of linear television. ABC News staffers are particularly on edge given Disney CEO Bob Iger's comments about potentially selling off ABC. These comments, which he later toned down, have left many wondering about the network's future stability.
"She needs to take quick action," a person acquainted with the day-to-day workings at ABC News said about OConnell. "People there are restless. They're extremely upset."
It's been reported that OConnell is reviewing the leadership, which could have repercussions for some of Godwin's top aides. These include Stacia Deshishku, executive editor and senior vice president; Derek Medina, executive vice president; and Jose Andino, vice president of the president's office and process management.
Meanwhile, Godwin has privately expressed disappointment about being distanced from Iger and frustration over Disney's excessive involvement, CNN was informed.
Representatives for Disney and ABC News declined to comment.
However, the days pass, and it becomes increasingly difficult to imagine this situation continuing for long. And even though Godwin re-signed her contract when OConnell was appointed in February, the Disney company has a history of removing executives shortly after they ink new deals. The Disney approach is well-known.
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In the context of ABC News undergoing scrutiny, the CEO's business decisions have been a topic of discussion in the media. Despite Godwin's leadership, some concerns about the direction of ABC News have been raised within the organization, causing tension and unease among staff members.
The review of leadership at ABC News has also brought attention to Godwin's relationship with Disney, with some individuals expressing disappointment about her perceived distance from the CEO and the level of Disney's involvement in the network's operations.
Source: edition.cnn.com
