Another major media company is merging its news division and its local stations in hopes of wringing new profits from two businesses that are being hurt by the rise of streaming video. Disney will place the veteran executive Debra OConnell atop a new division that encompasses ABC News and its local station operations, with ABC News President Kim Godwin and Stations President Chad Matthews reporting to her. The structure is similar to one Paramount Global put in place last year...
Disney Entertainment
Debra
OConnell
President, ABC News Group and Networks
Elevated in February to a new role that oversees both ABC News and ABC’s stations as well as the business strategies of the company’s various TV networks, OConnell now steers a massive TV portfolio for Disney. She is spending more time grappling with the challenges of getting people to watch traditional news programs on digital and streaming platforms. The news division has had its share of challenges including the $15 million settlement with President-elect Donald Trump over statements made on-air by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. On the upside, the ABC New Live streaming platform is seeing engagement spike as it integrates more closely with the Disney+ bundle. OConnell’s responsibilities include the ABC broadcast network, Disney Channels, FX, Freeform and National Geographic Channels. OConnell is a 27-year Disney trouper. Before moving into network business operations, OConnell ran WABC-TV New York as president and general manager.