Embattled ABC News President Kim Godwin announced she was calling it quits Sunday night as she faced heightened scrutiny from corporate superiors over her job performance — and months after she was stripped of much of her power, sources confirmed to The Post.
“I have decided to retire from broadcast journalism,” Godwin said in a memo to staff and obtained by The Post.
“Over the years, hundreds of you have sent emails, texts, and made phone calls that have lifted my heart. In this consequential election year, as we look to the months ahead, the importance of what we do cannot be overstated. Remember, there is joy in journalism,” she added in her note as she lauded the news division’s accomplishments during her tenure.
“I leave with my head held high and wish the entire team continued success,” she said.
But Godwin’s appeared to lose most of her sway when she was effectively demoted in February after Disney, which owns ABC News, underwent a restructuring, insiders previously told The Post.
The Wall Street Journal first reported her retirement Sunday night.
Godwin’s departure comes as Disney corporate overloads have been conducting a thorough review of her leadership, CNN reported last week.
Debra O’Connell, who was promoted to a leadership position that puts ABC News under her purview, was said to be shocked by Godwin’s mismanagement of the money-making division that includes “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight, the outlet reported.
