Groundbreaking Appointment at ABC News
In April 2021, Kimberly Godwin made history by becoming the first Black woman appointed president of a major broadcast network’s news division.
The longtime CBS News executive took the reins at ABC News, marking a groundbreaking milestone for diversity and inclusion in American media.
Veteran News Leader with Proven Track Record
Godwin brought over two decades of experience from prestigious roles at CBS News and local TV stations nationwide.
As executive vice president of news at CBS, she oversaw global newsgathering and managed newsrooms across the network’s owned-and-operated stations.
Her steady leadership guided the revamped CBS Evening News under anchor Norah O’Donnell. Godwin previously served as the broadcast’s senior producer and championed diversity initiatives as executive director for development and diversity.
Honoring Pioneers and Inspiring Next Generation
“I am honored to take on this stewardship and excited for what we will achieve together.” – Kimberly Godwin
In her historic new role, Godwin acknowledged the significance and expressed gratitude toward trailblazers who paved her path. The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) celebrated her appointment as demolishing the glass ceiling at broadcast networks.
“The significance of this appointment is not lost on me,” Godwin stated. “I stand on the shoulders of giants in journalism who made this moment possible.”
NABJ lauded Godwin’s track record of mentorship, anticipating her inspirational impact on the next generation of Black journalists and media professionals.
Seizing Opportunity Amid Industry Upheaval
Godwin assumed the ABC News presidency amid a wave of leadership changes across major TV news operations. Her appointment coincided with Rashida Jones becoming MSNBC’s first Black woman president and Jeff Zucker’s impending CNN departure.
The broadcast news landscape continues shifting alongside changing viewer habits in a post-Trump era. ABC’s flagship shows like World News Tonight and Good Morning America currently top their timeslots, positioning Godwin to build upon this success.
Championing Excellence and Transparent Reporting
In announcing Godwin’s selection, Walt Disney Co. chairman Peter Rice praised her “fierce advocacy for excellence, collaboration, inclusion and the vital role of accurate and transparent news reporting.”
A graduate of the prestigious journalism program at Florida A&M University, Godwin’s credentials and principled approach position her to uphold ABC’s storied journalistic standards while evolving its news operations for the future.
