Almin Karamehmedovic, a seasoned veteran who has steered the helm of "World News Tonight" for an illustrious decade, has been bestowed with the prestigious title of President of ABC News, marking a pivotal shift that elevates a hard-hitting news producer and global reporting stalwart to the pinnacle of Disney's media empire. However, this appointment comes with a caveat: Karamehmedovic's relatively untrodden path in certain cornerstone operations, notably the vital "Good Morning America" daytime juggernaut, raises eyebrows.
The announcement, made during ABC News's Monday news gathering, sent shockwaves through the ranks, as confirmed by two insiders privy to the matter. While some hailed the appointment, celebrating Karamehmedovic's prowess in news gathering and his inseparable bond with "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir—a beloved figure commanding vast viewership for ABC—others found the move enigmatic, questioning his limited exposure to ABC News's marquee properties such as "GMA," "The View," and "The Tamron Hall Show."
Many ABC News personnel and talent executives, accustomed to dealing with the intricacies of the unit, had harbored the expectation that Disney might recall Tom Cibrowski, a former ABC News senior producer who now helms KGO, an ABC-owned San Francisco station. Historically, ABC News has been steered by leaders who honed their craft in the morning landscape. Two recent former captains, Ben Sherwood and James Goldston, each steered "GMA" to unprecedented viewership heights, surpassing NBC's "Today" show.
"Almin has dedicated his entire career to the fabric of ABC News, mastering each role and elevating journalism to new heights by forging profound connections with audiences that resonate deeply," OConnell proclaimed in a heartfelt statement. "He stands as a highly esteemed, accomplished journalist of the utmost caliber, ascending from within to Senior Executive Producer of 'World News Tonight with David Muir,' earning the unwavering trust of his colleagues and industry peers along the journey. I am unwavering in my conviction that ABC News will soar to new frontiers under his guiding light."
The appointment of Karamehmedovic could signal a fresh management philosophy taking root under OConnell's stewardship, a Disney veteran who, in February, was entrusted with the dual mantles of leading both the company's national newsgathering endeavors and its local station operations. One source close to ABC News speculates that OConnell might assume a more hands-on role in the business aspects where Karamehmedovic's expertise may be less pronounced. For instance, "Good Morning America" and other daytime programs thrive on innovative product integrations that seamlessly intertwine advertisers within content, from weather sponsorships to tailored story segments, presenting fresh challenges and opportunities alike.
Others have traversed similar terrain, charting a new course in the media landscape. At Paramount Global, where Wendy McMahon, an esteemed executive, now oversees the vast expanse of CBS News and its local stations, a notable shift has occurred. The helm of iconic CBS News programs like "60 Minutes" and "CBS Sunday Morning" now rests with business executives, rather than seasoned editorial leaders, reflecting a strategic pivot.
As traditional broadcast networks grapple with the tide of viewers migrating towards streaming platforms, their news divisions are being tightly embraced by their media conglomerate parents. Both Paramount and Disney have ingeniously fused their formidable news units with the operational heart of their local stations, forging new synergies with the regional TV news landscape. NBCUniversal, too, has consolidated its power, placing local stations, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, and Telemundo's news assets under the unified command of a single visionary leader.
Karamehmedovic, a name synonymous with hands-on dedication and boots-on-the-ground journalism, steps into a role once held by Kim Godwin, a former CBS News stalwart whose "hands-off" approach left some questioning ABC News' direction. Karamehmedovic, known for his roll-up-your-sleeves approach and frequent fieldwork alongside his correspondents, brings a fresh energy to the helm of "World News Tonight."
His journey with ABC News began as a freelance video editor in London back in 1988, and since then, he's traversed the globe, from the treacherous mountains of Tora Bora in Afghanistan to the frontlines of the Iraq invasion, embedded with the U.S. Army. In 2008, he joined the ranks of "Nightline," where he honed his craft as executive producer before ascending to lead ABC News' flagship evening broadcast.
Graduating from the prestigious University of Greenwich, Karamehmedovic embodies a deep reverence for the craft of journalism and the colleagues who share this noble pursuit. In his statement, he expressed profound respect and humility, acknowledging the relentless efforts of his global team that uphold ABC News' commitment to unwavering, unbiased reporting. "Our team represents the pinnacle of journalism," he said, "and we are grateful to Debra O'Connell, who sets the gold standard for us all, fostering an environment that empowers us to excel in a profession we hold dear."
