What's Going On At ABC News?

ABC News President Kim Godwin reportedly is facing increasing scrutiny from Debra OConnell, who was appointed to oversee the news network earlier this year. OConnell has been evaluating the state of affairs at ABC News and has been less than impressed with what she has found1. In private conversations, OConnell has pointed to a slew of problems that have materialized on Godwin’s watch, faulting the embattled ABC News chief for her hands-off leadership style, which she believes has allowed problems to fester. 

When ABC News staffers phoned into the network's daily editorial meeting on Thursday, they quickly took note of the absence of their ostensible boss, President Kim Godwin. Hours after CNN reported about how Godwin is skating on thinning ice, the embattled news chief was nowhere to be found as staffers assembled to discuss the day's coverage plans.

 

Here are some of the issues raised:

Vacant Positions: A year after Godwin dismissed the network’s head of talent, Galen Gordon, the important position has yet to be filled. Additionally, ABC News lost its Washington bureau chief, Jonathan Greenberger, to POLITICO just months before a historic presidential election, leaving that crucial seat vacant.

Ratings Pressure: The fact that “CBS Mornings” has been knocking on the ratings door of “Good Morning America” has been another source of discomfort.

Anxious Staff: Godwin’s leadership has produced palpable anxiety and frustration among staffers who are wondering about the network’s long-term game plan as the linear television business continues to crumble.

Disney’s Uncertainty: Network staffers are especially apprehensive in the wake of Disney boss Bob Iger publicly floating the possibility of selling off ABC, comments he has since tepidly walked back.

Debra OConnell is conducting a leadership review that could impact the executive suite, including some of Godwin’s top lieutenants. It remains to be seen how this evaluation will affect the network’s future direction. ABC News is certainly navigating challenging waters, and swift action may be necessary to address the concerns raised by OConnell and the anxious staff.