Debra OConnell Named President, News Group and Networks at Disney Entertainment
Veteran Walt Disney Company executive Debra OConnell has been elevated to President, News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment.
The new role will see OConnell add ABC News to her purview, meaning she will now oversee ABC-owned television stations and P&L responsibilities across Disney’s networks, including ABC, Disney Channels, FX Networks, Freeform, and National Geographic Channel. OConnell will continue to report to the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, Dana Walden.
“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,” Walden said. “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. I look forward to having her lead these incredibly talented teams as we build on our success.”
A Disney Veteran
OConnell has worked for The Walt Disney Company for 27 years, most recently serving as president of Networks and Television Business Operations for DET.
With ABC now under her department, ABC News President Kim Godwin and Chad Matthews, President, ABC Owned Television Stations, will both report to OConnell.
“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,” OConnell said. “I’m excited to work with Kim, Chad and these exceptional teams on strategies to superserve our viewers for years to come.”
Previously, OConnell led WABC-TV New York as president and general manager. She is also on the board of directors for A&E Networks, National Geographic Partners, and TVB, a not-for-profit trade association representing America’s local broadcast television industry.