Disney Elevates Debra OConnell to President of News Group and Networks
Disney has announced the promotion of Debra OConnell to the newly created position of president of News Group and Networks within Disney Entertainment. In this expanded role, OConnell will oversee key businesses and operations, bringing together various verticals to facilitate collaboration and synergy.
OConnell, a 27-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, previously served as president of Networks and Television Business Operations for DET. Her new responsibilities will include managing ABC News, ABC Owned Television Stations, and profit and loss oversight for Disney’s multiplatform linear entertainment networks, which encompass ABC broadcast network, Disney Channels, FX Networks, Freeform, and National Geographic Channels.
This alignment will lead to closer integration between ABC News and the ABC Owned Television Stations, with both Kim Godwin, president of ABC News, and Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned Television Stations, reporting to OConnell.
ABC News, a stronghold for acclaimed programs such as World News Tonight, Good Morning America, The View, and 20/20, will now fall under OConnell’s purview. These shows are also available for streaming on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.
Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, expressed her confidence in OConnell’s abilities, stating, 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. 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.
Excited about her new position, OConnell shared, I consider it a privilege to advocate for the best networks, the best news organization, and the best stations in the world, and thank Dana for her leadership and trust. I’m excited to work with Kim, Chad, and these exceptional teams on strategies to superserve our viewers for years to come.
OConnell’s impressive track record includes leading WABC-TV New York as president and general manager, where she propelled the station and its ancillary businesses to new heights, including the highly popular Live with Kelly and Ryan. Under her leadership, the show achieved the distinction of becoming the number one syndicated daytime talk show in franchise history. OConnell has previously held positions such as executive vice president of Sales and Marketing for Disney|ABC’s consolidated advertising sales group, president of National TV Sales for ABC Owned Television Stations, and vice president of marketing at WABC-TV.
Recognizing her industry contributions, Broadcasting & Cable will induct OConnell into its Hall of Fame, Class of 2024, and bestowed upon her the title of Broadcaster of the Year in 2022. Furthermore, she received a 2022 Gracie Leadership Award from the Alliance of Women in Media.
In addition to her new role, OConnell serves on the board of directors for A&E Networks, National Geographic Partners, and TVB, a trade association representing America’s local broadcast television industry. She is also involved in advisory boards for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and League of Women Voters of New York City.
With this appointment, Disney is poised to leverage OConnell’s expertise and leadership to enhance its news group and networks. As OConnell takes the reins, the company looks forward to a future marked by continued success and growth.
