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Kim Godwin, Promoted to President of ABC News, First Black Woman to Run a Broadcast Television News Division
“This historic announcement shows what we at NABJ have always know: there are Black executives more than capable of taking the reins of a network operation. We hope this move sends a clear signal to other networks,” said Ken Lemon, NABJ Vice President-Broadcast, in a statement. “Her appointment opens the door for diversity and inclusion at a higher level. The glass ceiling is broken and must be shattered.”
Kim Godwin, 57, currently works at CBS News as executive vice president of news, and joins ABC News as president in May, replacing James Goldston who left ABC in March.
Godwin becomes the first Black woman to run a broadcast news division.
ABC’s parent company is Walt Disney Co.
Godwin started at CBS News in 2007 as senior producer for the evening news anchored by Katie Couric.
She was also the executive director for development and diversity at CBS and received the Ida B. Wells Award last November from The National Association of Black Journalists “for her work to create a diverse newsroom, and her focus on identifying—and advocating for—young journalists throughout their careers.”
Before her tenure at CBS News Godwin worked at various outlets as producer, news director, and other management roles since 1991.
Godwin also worked as a journalism educator.
Godwin is a graduate of Florida A & M University and is married and lives in New York City and the Poconos, Pa.
“This historic announcement shows what we at NABJ have always know: there are Black executives more than capable of taking the reins of a network operation. We hope this move sends a clear signal to other networks,” said Ken Lemon, NABJ Vice President-Broadcast, in a statement. “Her appointment opens the door for diversity and inclusion at a higher level. The glass ceiling is broken and must be shattered.”
In February, Rashida Jones, 39. became president of MSNBC, and was the first Black woman to run a cable news network.
Variety, ABC News, CBS News, and The Washington Post were sources for this report.
