A person in the know told TheWrap that the Disney layoffs have affected ABC News, with the unit expected to lose about 50 employees during the entire process.
Those hired include Senior Vice President of Talent Strategy and Development Galen Gordon, Senior Vice President of Newsgathering Wendy Fisher, Vice President of Talent Strategy and Development Mary Noonan and VP of Corporate Communications Alison Rudnick as well as ABC News LA bureau chief David Herndon Are included. , Senior Executive Producer Chris Vlasto and Executive Editorial Producer Heather Riley.
ABC News President Kim Godwin said in a memo obtained by Therap that, “While these tasks are never easy, it is a necessary step to ensure that we are taking concrete steps for years to come because We are charting a sustainable, growth-oriented path forward for the entire organization.”
Layoffs as Disney cuts 7,000 jobs, and executives aren’t exactly safe. On Wednesday, Marvel Entertainment CEO Ike Perlmutter was fired and the entire unit was folded into Disney.
Godwin also outlined the new structure, which includes Katie den Das – who has been leading the London bureau – taking over as vice president of newsgathering. She will oversee the domestic and international teams. Michael Kreisel, who will manage the DC bureau and NewsOne in addition to the domestic bureau chiefs, will report to Dan Das. Al Prieto will continue to lead NewsOne. Jonathan Greenberger will lead the DC bureau and political coverage, while Kirit Radia will oversee the London bureau, all other international bureaus and teams around the world. Dan Das will transition to New York in the coming weeks, with a new London bureau chief to be announced shortly.
Effective immediately, the business and operations team will expand to include Talent Strategy, Production Operations, Business Operations and Business Affairs. All will report to Derek Medina, EVP, ABC News.
ABC News’ investigative and enterprise reporting units, including medical, business and climate, will join linear shows and special events, reporting to Stacia Deshishcu, executive editor and SVP of news.
“Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the work and legacy of our late staff members,” Godwin said in his memo. “They are not only our colleagues, they are our friends who will always be a part of the proud history of this respected organization. On behalf of the entire ABC News family, thank you for your service and professionalism.”
