NEW YORK, NY – Kim Godwin, the president of ABC News, has announced her retirement from broadcast journalism. The news comes after Debra OConnell, president of News Group and Networks at Disney Entertainment, shared the news in internal memos sent to staff on Sunday night.

In a heartfelt message to her team, Godwin reflected on her four-decade career that began as an executive producer at a small ABC affiliate in Tallahassee. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities that paved her path to becoming the first Black woman to lead a national broadcast news network. Despite the challenging decision to retire, Godwin emphasized the importance of prioritizing her family and looking towards the future.

Following Godwin’s retirement, OConnell will lead ABC News in the interim. The transition comes after Godwin’s tenure faced various challenges, including the suspension and firing of co-hosts at “GMA3” last year. Despite these challenges, ABC News remained the number one news network, winning prestigious awards and achieving high ratings.

Throughout her time at ABC News, Godwin led the team to receive numerous Emmy nominations and awards, solidifying the network’s reputation as a leader in broadcast journalism. She emphasized the exceptional work of the ABC News team, praising their dedication to delivering comprehensive coverage to viewers worldwide. Under her leadership, ABC News Studios became a premiere nonfiction and documentary studio, producing over 120 hours of award-winning content annually.

As Godwin bids farewell to ABC News and the journalism profession, she expressed gratitude to her colleagues, superiors, and the entire team for their support and inspiration. She highlighted the importance of journalism in the upcoming election year and urged the team to continue their pursuit of truthful reporting.

In conclusion, Godwin leaves behind a legacy of excellence and commitment to journalistic integrity. Her departure marks a new chapter for ABC News, as they navigate through this transition period under OConnell’s leadership. As the industry evolves, ABC News remains dedicated to delivering high-quality news coverage to its audience.