Debra OConnell Adds ABC News Oversight As President Of News Group & Networks For Disney Entertainment
deadline.comDisney veteran Debra OConnell has been elevated to the new role of president, News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment.
In the restructure, OConnell adds ABC News to her existing purview that includes the ABC Owned Television Stations and P&L responsibilities across the Disney multiplatform linear entertainment networks, including ABC, Disney Channels, FX Networks, Freeform and National Geographic Channels.
She will continue to report to Dana Walden, co-chairman, Disney Entertainment. Kim Godwin, president, ABC News, will join Chad Matthews, president, ABC Owned Television Stations, in reporting to OConnell. “Debra is an excellent executive who has succeeded in a wide range of leadership roles around our company and knows very well the extraordinary power of ABC News and its world-class journalists,” Walden said. “This new role gives her oversight across all our linear operations, where she will be able to optimize our iconic brands and shepherd them into the future.
I look forward to having her lead these incredibly talented teams as we build on our success.” OConnell, a respected, 27-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, most recently served as president, Networks and Television Business Operations for DET.
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