The exodus of top executives at ABC News continued this week as Stacia DeCischke, executive editor of the Walt Disney-owned television news division, announced she was stepping down.
“I have been fortunate to have always felt that my career has been a calling,” Desischuk wrote in a draft memo to staff, which read: The Washington Post reported.
“My work has been truly extraordinary, and I leave with a deep sense of gratitude for the story I have been honored to help tell.”
Last month, Mr. Desischuk’s boss, ABC News President Kim Godwin, announced her resignation, a development that newsroom observers had expected following Disney’s decision to effectively demote Mr. Desischuk by promoting longtime executive Debra O’Connell to oversee the news division.
Disney’s decision to give O’Connell a new role marked the beginning of the end for her top assistants, including Godwin and Desischuk.
As The Washington Post reported in March, Deshishuk was one of Godwin’s aides seen as in a vulnerable position, even though Godwin had insisted to staff that he was “still in charge” despite his demotion.
Deshishuk joined ABC News as deputy Washington bureau chief in 2014 after serving as an executive producer at CNN.
She was named editor in chief of ABC News in 2022. Her last day will be June 28.
In the memo, Desischuk wrote that he had discussed his intention to leave the network with ABC News executives “several months ago.”
She wrote that she plans to begin the next phase of her career, “reigniting the passion and purpose that journalism has given me for so long.”
During his tenure at ABC News, Godwin was alienated by staff due to his hands-off leadership style and failure to retain top talent.
Under Godwin’s leadership, ABC News’ flagship morning show, “Good Morning America,” has seen its ratings decline slightly as viewers have started to shift to “CBS Mornings,” which is closing in on the leader, “GMA.”
ABC News was also upset by the headline-grabbing romance between “GMA 3” host TJ Holmes and Amy Robach, who were both married at the time their relationship reportedly began.
Godwin allowed the couple to continue on air despite reports of their relationship, a decision that was criticised by internal staff.
Holmes and Robach ultimately He retired after reaching a financial settlement with the company.
O’Connell’s promotion left Godwin in a precarious position, which did not bode well for key aides such as Desischke, Executive Vice President Derek Medina and Executive Vice President Jose Andino.
Prior to O’Connell’s promotion, Godwin reported directly to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden, whose portfolio includes ABC Television, its news division, TV stations, Hulu and National Geographic.
Walden has the ear of Disney CEO Robert Iger, and O’Connell’s promotion effectively cut Godwin out of the CEO’s inner circle.
O’Connell has overseen ABC News since Godwin’s departure, and it’s unclear whether Disney plans to name a replacement.
The Washington Post has reached out to ABC News and the Walt Disney Company for comment.
