‘Almin Karamehmedovic Named New President of ABC News’

Almin Karamehmedovic, the longtime executive producer of “ABC World News Tonight With David Muir,” has been named the new president of ABC News. This appointment brings with it significant expectations to enhance the division’s financial performance.

Debra OConnell, president of News Group and Networks at Disney Entertainment, announced Karamehmedovic’s new role on Monday. He will manage the day-to-day operations of the division and report directly to OConnell.

Karamehmedovic’s responsibilities will span an extensive portfolio, including overseeing “World News Tonight With David Muir,” the most-watched evening newscast on television, as well as “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “20/20,” and “Nightline.” Additionally, he will manage ABC News Live, the division’s streaming news service, along with its production studio and special events coverage.

Karamehmedovic takes over from Kim Godwin, who departed the network after a three-year tenure. His selection comes as a surprise to many within ABC News, who anticipated the new leader would have experience with the network’s key revenue driver, “Good Morning America.”

Godwin joined ABC News from CBS, tasked with transforming the culture of the news division after a senior executive’s racially insensitive remarks about the network’s Black talent. During her time, she implemented substantial cost-cutting measures that saw many longtime executives exit the network.

Under Godwin, the ratings for “Good Morning America” started to decline, but this trend is not unique to ABC. All broadcast networks are experiencing a loss of viewers as younger audiences increasingly turn to online platforms for their news and video content.

Karamehmedovic faces similar challenges and will likely need to implement cost reductions within the news division. As Disney, along with other media companies, seeks greater cost efficiency amid dwindling audience figures, widespread layoffs are anticipated in the upcoming months.

Having led “World News Tonight” since 2014, Karamehmedovic has a strong rapport with its anchor, David Muir. His journey at ABC News began in 1998 as a freelance editor based in London. Throughout his career as a producer, he covered significant events, including conflicts in the Middle East and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

Before taking charge of “World News Tonight,” he served as the executive producer of “Nightline,” joining the show as a producer in 2008.

“Almin has devoted his career to ABC News, mastering every role and elevating excellence in journalism by connecting with viewers in a very meaningful and profound way that resonates with them,” OConnell said in a statement.

Source: Los Angeles Times