ABC has promoted the executive producer of “World News Tonight with David Muir” to its new chief news officer — a “surprise choice” that ended a three-month period without a leader at the network.
Almin Karamehmetovich takes over for ABC News president Kim Goodwin, who resigned in May amid a series of embarrassing missteps at the Disney-owned network.
Debra O’Connell, president of ABC News Group, networks and Disney Entertainment, announced the news to employees on Monday, after a lengthy search for Goodwin’s successor and rumors that the network — which is facing job cuts — might opt to hire from within.
In his role, Karamehamedovic will oversee the day-to-day operations of the news division, as well as its programming including “World News Tonight” and “Good Morning America.”
The appointment surprised some at the network — even though the producer has a strong resume. A source told the Post that Karamehmetovich was not particularly well-liked and had a reputation as a “dominant person.”
In 2015, Karamehamedovic was heavily intoxicated at an ABC holiday party, Page Six reported. At an Upper West Side restaurant, the man tripped and fell from the restaurant. The executive was taken to the hospital after hitting his head on the sidewalk and losing consciousness.
Others at the network praised the decision, saying Karamehmetovich would not back down to reporters at the highly competitive network.
“He’s very smart. He understands how to drive viewership by giving people what they want,” one source said.
“His choice was a surprise, but he was always in the running,” another source said. The decision came as a relief to the public, who had become increasingly impatient to replace Goodwin, another source added.
“It took her so long to make this decision that it weakened her as a leader,” said an insider.
ABC News has not commented on the matter.
Karamehamedovic has overseen the production of all day-to-day operations of Muir Radio’s “World News Tonight” — which has been the most-watched newscast for eight years — since August 2014.
Prior to World News Tonight with David Muir, Karamehamedovic was executive producer of
“Nightline,” ABC News’s flagship late-night news magazine. He also executive produced “Nightline.”
In primetime for two consecutive seasons as well as many other primetime hours on ABC, “20/20”
Special reports and ongoing breaking news.
“I approach this role with great respect and humility, not only for the hundreds of colleagues around me.
The scientist whose tireless contributions have fueled ABC News’ unbiased, unbiased reporting, but
“Also for the viewers we serve,” Karamehamedovic added.
Almen has dedicated his career to ABC News, mastering every role and raising the bar for excellence in
Journalism by communicating with viewers in a way that is very meaningful and profound and resonates with
“They are,” O’Connell said.
“He is a widely respected and seasoned journalist of the highest order, having worked his way up to senior executive producer of “World News Tonight with David Muir,” earning the trust of his 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 under pressure to make a decision as the network prepares to host its first presidential debate next month.
Furthermore, GMA’s ratings continue to decline and there are a lot of contracts for on-air talent waiting to be negotiated.
“They needed to hire someone,” said an ABC source, noting that the network still doesn’t have a vice president of talent, so hiring a head of news was crucial. “A lot of agents are frustrated” in the absence of any leadership that can negotiate.
Under Goodwin, GMA, ABC’s top cash cow, began to slide in the ratings. Although the show ranked No. 1 in total viewers, it fell to No. 2 in advertisers’ coveted demographic of 25- to 54-year-old viewers.
Her turbulent tenure included running a “culture of fear,” one source told The Washington Post at the time, elevating “people who agreed with her” and driving out top ABC executives who criticized her management.
Others at the time complained that Goodwin was overly interested in promoting himself and not involved enough in the day-to-day work of running ABC News.
Goodwin initially faced widespread criticism from many at the network after news broke of the alleged affair between GMA3 hosts T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach.
Details of the case broke in November 2022, but Goodwin allowed the GMA3 duo to stay on the air, causing a sensational scene that led to more news stories.
As more juicy details emerged, Goodwin decided to dismiss the duo and defended them in a phone call between the two offices on December 5, saying they “did not violate company policy.”
Shortly after, ABC launched an internal investigation, as more sensational stories leaked to the tabloids about Holmes’ other relationships at ABC. After a lengthy suspension, ABC has reached an agreement with the duo to exit the company. For an undisclosed fee.
Over time, Goodwin’s mistakes began to affect Disney’s management, and they appointed O’Connell, a company veteran, to oversee the CEO earlier this year, signaling to many that her time was up.
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