The Walt Disney Co. today named Kimberly Godwin, a 1984 graduate of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communications, president of ABC News.
She will start at ABC in early May and report to Peter Rice, chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content.
Godwin was most recently executive vp news at CBS, overseeing all newsgathering worldwide for the venerable broadcast news division. She also had oversight of newsrooms at all the CBS-owned and operated TV stations.
Godwin also stepped in as executive producer of the CBS Evening News, helping to launch the revamped newscast under anchor Norah O'Donnell.
“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,” said Rice in a statement announcing the hire. “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.”
“I have immense respect and admiration for ABC News,” added Godwin 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.”