ABC has promoted the executive producer of “World News Tonight with David Muir” as the new president of the news division — a “surprise choice” that ended a three-month stretch of the network without a leader.
Almin Karamehmedovic replaces embattled ABC News president Kim Godwin, who resigned in May amid a series of embarrassing missteps at the Disney-owned copycat network.
Debra O’Connell, president of ABC News Group, networks and Disney Entertainment, broke the news to staff on Monday, after a prolonged search for Godwin’s successor and rampant rumors that the network — which is in the throes of layoffs — would choose to hire from the inside.
In his role, Karamehmedovic will oversee the day-to-day operations of the news division, as well as its programs including “World News Tonight” and “Good Morning America.”
The appointment seemed strange to some at the network – even though the producer has a strong resume. A source told The Post that Karamehmedovic was not particularly well-liked and that he had a reputation as a “bully”.
In 2015, Page Six reported that Karamehmedovic got so drunk at an ABC holiday party at Upper West Side restaurant Ribbon that he stumbled out of the seat and fell. The executive was rushed to the hospital after he hit his head on the pavement and fell unconscious.
Others at the network welcomed the decision, saying Karamehmedovic will not be followed by correspondents at the highly competitive network.
“He is very smart. He understands how to drive ratings by giving people what they want,” a source said.
“He was a surprise pick, but he was always in the running,” another source noted. Another added that the decision came as a relief to the ranks, who had grown increasingly impatient for Godwin to be replaced.
“It took her so long to make this decision that it weakened her as a leader,” an insider said.
ABC News has not commented.
Karamehmedovic has overseen the production and all day-to-day operations of Muir’s World News Tonight — which has been the most-watched news show for eight years — since August 2014.
Prior to World News Tonight with David Muir, Karamehmedovic was executive producer of
“Nightline,” ABC News’ flagship late-night newsmagazine. He also produced Nightline.
in primetime for two consecutive seasons as well as many other ABC primetime hours, “20/20”
specials and special ongoing news reports.
“I approach this role with great respect and humility, not only for the hundreds of colleagues around me
world whose tireless contributions drive ABC News’ unflinching and unbiased reporting, but
also for the viewers we serve”, said Karamehmedovic.
“Almin has dedicated his career to ABC News, mastering every role and elevating excellence in it.
journalist connecting with viewers in a very meaningful and deep way that resonates with
them,” OConnell said.
“He is a widely respected, experienced journalist of the highest order who has worked his way up to senior executive producer of ‘World News Tonight with David Muir,’ earning the trust of colleagues and industry peers along the way. I have no doubt that ABC News will reach new heights under his leadership.”
Sources close to ABC said O’Connell was forced to make a choice as the network prepares to host its first presidential debate next month.
Additionally, “GMA’s” ratings continue to soften and there are many on-air talent contracts to be negotiated.
“She needed to appoint someone,” said an ABC source, noting that the network does not yet have a vice president of talent, so landing a news president was paramount. “A lot of agents are frustrated” without any leadership to negotiate with.
Under Godwin, ABC’s top-rated cash cow “GMA” began to slide in the ratings. Although the show is number one in total viewers, it has fallen to second place in the advertiser-coveted demographic of viewers ages 25 to 54.
The executive’s troubled reign included presiding over a “culture of fear,” as one source told The Post at the time, which elevated her “yes people” and fired high-level ABC executives who criticized her management.
Others gathered at the time that Godwin was too self-promoting and not involved enough in the day-to-day work of running ABC News.
Godwin first drew widespread criticism from many on the network after news of the scandalous affair between “GMA3” hosts TJ Holmes and Amy Robach broke.
Details of the relationship were leaked in November 2022, but Godwin allowed the “GMA3” couple to stay on air, causing a spectacle that led to more news.
As more grim information emerged, Godwin benched the pair and defended them in an office call on Dec. 5, saying they had “not violated company policy.”
ABC launched an internal investigation soon after, as more juicy stories surfaced in the tabloids about Holmes’ other jobs at ABC. After an extended suspension, ABC settled with the pair to leave the company for an undisclosed sum.
Over time, Godwin’s mistakes began to dawn on Disney brass, and they brought in OConnell, a company veteran, to oversee the helm earlier this year, which signaled to many that her time was up.
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