Embattled ABC News president Kim Godwin told her staff shortly after she was effectively demoted last month that “this is my network” and “I’m still in charge” — she and her Despite rumors swirling that loyal lieutenants are headed for trouble, The Post has learned.
Days after Debra O’Connell was promoted to become the new president of Disney’s News Group and Networks (a surprise appointment announced by top Disney executive Dana Walden on February 14), Godwin was announced as an ABC executive. We resumed telephone talks with them. News that she’s still the boss, according to insiders.
“Mr. Kim called and said, ‘I’m still in charge. This is my network. So if anyone has a problem, come see me,'” the source quoted the executive as saying. I remembered and said. “There was silence after that.”
An ABC spokesperson said: “That’s not true. She never said that.” The spokesperson declined further comment.
A second source told the Post that the first source’s characterization of Godwin’s quote was correct.
Godwin did not respond to requests for comment for this article.
O’Connell said Godwin’s “paranoid” comments signaled major cultural changes were on the horizon, including a possible cleanup of the network’s “culture of fear,” according to people close to the company. The staff, who had been quietly cheering for his arrival, were stunned.
“People think Debra is trying to get rid of Godwin’s executives, her ‘Yes People,'” the source said.
With the network’s president effectively incapacitated, people close to Mr. O’Connell have fired José Andino, the executive vice president for office and process management who followed Mr. Godwin from CBS News. He said it is possible. Two other Godwin acolytes, editor-in-chief and executive vice president Stasia Deshishuk and executive vice president Derek Medina, also may leave, the people said.
An ABC representative said, “We do not comment on rumors.”
“Jose is widely despised across the board,” said an ABC News source. “He’s walking around saying, ‘I work for Kim, not ABC News.'”
The person said the “gossip-obsessed” executive asked Godwin who should be fired from the station, which is home to “The View,” “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight with David Muir.” He also said that he was a “henchman” who gave instructions to him.
His close relationship with Godwin began at CBS News, where the executive helped him compile a list of personnel grievances against former CBS News president Susan Zirinsky. As The Post and other news outlets reported, Godwin was in the running for the job at the time.
Andino’s shenanigans continued on ABC News, including gossip and a reputation for cozy relationship with Godwin, sparking the ire of members of the public who were dissatisfied with his high salary. One person estimates the executive’s income is more than $500,000, while another estimates his total compensation, including salary, is closer to $1 million.
A source close to the network called the estimate “ridiculous” but declined to provide a more precise figure.
Andino did not respond to requests for comment.
Indeed, Godwin’s self-promotional and hands-off approach to running the Disney-owned network has allowed her fanzine to “settle scores,” the source said.
“Not true. Mr. Kim strives to build a culture of respect,” said an ABC spokesperson.
The person pointed to recent power moves by Godwin and former acting D.C. bureau chief Deshishuk to regain her former footing.
Mr. Godwin sought to eliminate other high-ranking executives whose loyalty he questioned, including the Washington bureau chief, who had been vocal within the company about Mr. Godwin’s mismanagement, the people said, but Disney was unable to dissuade him from doing so. He said he was involved to stop the attack.
ABC declined to comment. A source close to the station said the bureau chief “is an important part of ABC News and continues to run the D.C. bureau.”
As the Post previously reported, the network’s culture “operated like a police state,” with staff fearing they were being watched by their bosses and their agents. Some staff members told the Post they often met on the back stairs to talk because they were afraid of being “overheard” in the hallway.
Mr. Godwin’s employment contract was recently renewed for another three years, but most insiders told the Post last month that Mr. Godwin’s tenure would likely not be long under Mr. O’Connell, who has taken up the job in earnest. he said.
Unlike Godwin, O’Connell took a very hands-on approach, appearing on the sets of shows like “Good Morning America” and “The View” to boost staff morale.
The contrast with ordinary people who complained that “I was often unable to contact Mr. Kim on weekends” was not lost.
An ABC representative said, “This is not true. She can be reached at any time.”
In recent weeks, Godwin has continued to make efforts, showing up on set and becoming more involved in the editing process.
Last week, the executive tried to start a conversation among his staff about how to cover Donald Trump and his recent remarks at the Black Conservative Union Gala in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Republican presidential front-runner, who has been indicted multiple times for calling Godwin’s comments “the most racist,” insisted that “black people are people like me.” did.
Godwin’s comments angered some staff, but Pac News reported Insiders said they saw the comments as the executive’s “latest misstep” and “an unfortunate sign of her response to the restructuring.”
“It’s too late,” said a former network executive. “ABC News is a tough place. Even if Disney renews Kim’s contract, they’re going to pay her before her contract is up. She’s toast.”
