ABC bundles local stations, news and linear networks under one exec

ABC is reorganizing its leadership team to bring its news division, local stations and business operations under a single unit.

Experienced Disney staffer Debra O’Connell has been named president, news group and networks within the Disney Entertainment division.

Kim Godwin remains ABC News president, as does Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned Television Stations, who will both report to O’Connell under the new structure.

Some industry watchers, however, consider the move a tacit demotion for Godwin in particular since Disney could have either put her in charge of ABC News and local stations or even given her O’Connnell’s role. The new structure also has two executives with titles that are similar to that of “president” of ABC News.

“Debra is an excellent executive who has succeeded in a wide range of leadership roles around our company and knows very well the extraordinary power of ABC News and its world-class journalists. This new role gives her oversight across all our linear operations, where she will be able to optimize our iconic brands and shepherd them into the future. I look forward to having her lead these incredibly talented teams as we build on our success,” said Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden.

O’Connell will report to Walden.

“I consider it a privilege to advocate for the best networks, the best news organization and the best stations in the world, and thank Dana for her leadership and trust. I’m excited to work with Kim, Chad and these exceptional teams on strategies to super-serve our viewers for years to come,” O’Connell said in the announcement. 

Under this new structure, O’Connell is now responsible for a variety of linear properties, including FX Networks, Nat Geo, Disney Channel, Freeform and the ABC network. 

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O’Connell and Walden previously together as part of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, but that group was eliminated when Bob Iger returns for his second round as CEO of Disney. 

O’Connell also has experience as president and general manager of WABC in New York.