The Daily Beast’s newsletter, Confider, which Barrett News Media obtained, revealed the behind-the-scenes behavior of ABC News president Kim Godwin.
Confider spoke with seven ABC News insiders stating that Godwin believes she’s “the star of the show.”
The people the newsletter spoke with expressed that Godwin seems too busy making high-profile public appearances to run the news division. “Kim expects to be treated like talent,” one ABC News staffer told Confider.
Furthermore, the insiders reveal that she has gained the nickname “The Banker” among some colleagues owing to the casual hours she maintains and her alleged unavailability when significant news breaks.
Many ABC News staffers claimed Queen Elizabeth’s death was the latest example of a major news occasion where Godwin was nowhere to be found.
Staffers state there is one “event” Godwin refuses to skip: the “Happy Birthday” singalongs she conducts on the 9 a.m. editorial call. “It’s like we are in kindergarten,” one employee told Confider.
Despite the remarks made by those on the inside, ABC News issued a statement defending Godwin from these remarks.
“This is nonsense,” ABC News said in an email to Confider.
“Since Kim joined, ABC News has grown its #1 position, significantly increased its volume of new programming for all platforms, and received a record number – 41 – News & Documentary Emmy nominations, to name a few. We will continue to let the great work of this team and her leadership speak for itself.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
