BREAKING: Disney CEO Bob Iger Confronted by ABC News Staff Over Treatment of Kim Godwin—Is This the End of Her Leadership at ABC?

In an unexpected and explosive development, Disney CEO Bob Iger was confronted by African American staffers at ABC News last year over the company’s treatment of Kim Godwin, the first Black woman to run the network’s news division. The confrontation occurred during a private lunch in February 2025, where Iger, who was reportedly attempting to reassure staff that the company was “invested in Godwin’s success,” was met with intense criticism from employees who felt that Godwin had been undermined by the network’s leadership.

What seemed like a routine internal conversation soon spiraled into a public spectacle, casting a shadow over Godwin’s three-year tenure as the head of ABC News. In what is already being called a shocking move, Disney executives have now taken significant steps to elevate Debra O’Connell, leading to speculation that Godwin’s time at the helm of ABC News may be drawing to a close. The fallout has shaken the foundations of the network, with many asking if this marks the beginning of the end for Godwin’s leadership.

A Leadership Under Fire

Kim Godwin, who made history as the first Black woman to lead a major network news division, was hired in 2020 to turn around ABC News. Despite her vast experience—having spent years at CBS News—Godwin’s tenure has been filled with challenges. Critics have pointed to her management style, which some describe as authoritarian, as a major source of internal strife. Allegations have surfaced that Godwin has surrounded herself with “yes-men,” alienating long-standing employees and creating a work environment that many felt was oppressive.

Insiders claim that her approach has created an environment where dissent is not tolerated, leading to morale issues and the loss of experienced staffers. Last spring, she faced significant backlash after firing a number of veteran journalists and replacing them with individuals perceived to have less experience in hard news. This decision, along with a series of other controversial personnel moves, has resulted in growing frustration among the rank-and-file staff.

The Affair Scandal and Growing Criticism

One of the most public controversies during Godwin’s leadership was her handling of the affair between GMA3 hosts TJ Holmes and Amy Robach. Initially downplaying the scandal, Godwin allowed Holmes and Robach to remain on air amid tabloid headlines about their relationship. This lack of decisive action was seen by many as a misstep that hurt the credibility of ABC News and raised questions about her leadership.

With the controversy surrounding the affair still fresh in the minds of ABC News staffers, some insiders are now questioning whether Godwin’s management approach was too hands-off or whether it played a role in her faltering support within the company.

The Big Shift: Debra O’Connell’s Rise

In a major shake-up last week, Disney announced that Debra O’Connell would take over a new division that encompasses ABC News. This restructuring, coupled with O’Connell’s new role overseeing not just ABC News but also the network’s local affiliates and cable channels like FX, has fueled widespread speculation about Godwin’s future. The move is seen by many as a clear sign that Godwin’s position is under threat, despite her having received a three-year contract extension earlier this year.

The internal reaction to O’Connell’s elevation has been mixed. While some see it as a necessary step toward revitalizing the division, others view it as a precursor to Godwin’s departure. The firing of long-time ABC News staffers, coupled with the growing internal friction, has created an atmosphere where many are questioning Godwin’s ability to lead the network through the challenges ahead.

A Divided Network: Supporters and Critics Speak Out

While Godwin’s supporters maintain that she’s been unfairly maligned, some of her staunchest allies are beginning to see cracks in her leadership. Jonathan Karl, ABC’s chief White House correspondent and co-anchor of This Week, defended Godwin in a public statement, saying, “She’s a crazy workaholic. I’ve never had a stronger relationship with a unit leader than the one I have with Kim.” Yet, even Karl acknowledged that Godwin’s approach might not resonate with everyone.

On the other hand, there is a growing faction within ABC News that is openly celebrating the possibility of a leadership change. Staffers have been overheard celebrating O’Connell’s ascension and making comments like “Ding dong, the witch is dead,” reflecting their relief that a new direction might be on the horizon. These comments underscore the growing divide within the network, where a significant portion of staffers have grown disillusioned with Godwin’s tenure.

The Bigger Picture: The Power Struggle at ABC News

As the dust settles from the reshuffling of leadership, one thing is clear: ABC News is in the midst of a major identity crisis. The question on many people’s minds is whether the network’s leadership can weather the storm or if these internal battles will result in a fundamental shift that could affect its long-term stability. Godwin’s critics say her leadership style has hurt the company’s morale, while her supporters argue she was simply trying to bring a much-needed level of structure to the network.

The true test for ABC News will be whether the changes implemented under O’Connell’s leadership can reinvigorate the network, both in terms of its content and internal culture. Given the challenges facing the media industry, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

What’s Next for Kim Godwin?

As of now, Godwin’s future remains uncertain. The announcement of O’Connell’s new role has ignited speculation about whether she will replace Godwin or whether there is room for both to work together in a restructured ABC News. For Godwin, the coming months could determine whether she’s able to overcome the challenges that have arisen within the network and rebuild trust with the staff and public.

For now, the spotlight is on O’Connell’s approach, as she takes the reins of a network in flux. Whether she can navigate the complexities of ABC News while dealing with the ongoing fallout from Godwin’s tenure remains to be seen.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for ABC News

The power struggle at ABC News is far from over. The internal tension and criticism of Kim Godwin’s leadership have highlighted the challenges of running a network in an era of intense political and cultural scrutiny. As Disney and ABC News work to navigate this difficult time, the future of the network—and of Kim Godwin—remains uncertain. Whether she will be able to overcome the setbacks and stay at the helm, or if a new direction under Debra O’Connell will emerge, is something that will undoubtedly shape the future of the network. The drama unfolding at ABC News is not just about leadership—it’s about the future of news broadcasting itself.