ESPN Vice President of News David Kraft, a newsroom leader for 30 years, announced he will retire in April. Kraft, who has overseen the network’s news operations since 2021, said the decision follows months of discussions with his wife, Meg, about slowing down and spending more time with family.
“I’ve had a fantastic run with ESPN and am proud of what we’ve accomplished — and continue to accomplish on a daily basis — as a newsroom,” Kraft said. “Our journalism is in a great place and we have great people to carry it onward and upward. I very much appreciate the support I’ve gotten from our leadership team since I made this decision.”
Kraft joined ESPN in 1996 as an editor covering the Olympics for ESPNetSportszone.com by Starwave. Over the years, he held a variety of leadership roles, including senior director and executive editor of ESPN’s news operations from 2015 until his promotion to vice president in May 2021.
He has been a central figure in shaping the network’s editorial approach, helping to establish ESPN’s Universal News Group a decade ago. The division, which he continues to lead, provides editorial guidance to editors across ESPN’s platforms, including television, digital, audio, social media, and app alerts.
During his tenure, Kraft became known for fostering collaboration among ESPN’s nationwide newsroom teams. His colleagues praise his behind-the-scenes influence, noting his commitment to journalistic integrity and the steady growth of ESPN’s reporting capabilities.
“David Kraft has been a highly respected leader across ESPN’s editorial properties since he joined us in 1996,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content. “He never sought the spotlight but has had a strong and important impact behind the scenes and has played a major role in carrying on ESPN’s journalistic principles and practices for many years. We will miss him when he leaves us in April and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Before joining ESPN, Kraft began his career at the San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune in 1985, and he is a journalism graduate of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. His early experience covering local news helped shape his approach to sports journalism, emphasizing accuracy, clarity, and context.
Kraft will remain with ESPN through April to assist with the transition of his responsibilities and ensure continuity across the Universal News Group.
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