James Goldston was named the new head of ABC News on Thursday, officially replacing Ben Sherwood, who is leaving to take Anne Sweeney’s chair atop Disney Media Networks.
Goldston had been widely expected to get the nod, but Thursday’s announcement makes it official.
The move comes amidst talent turnover at “Good Morning America,” just as the morning show had been winning a series of key ratings battles with arch rival “Today” on NBC.
“On the talent front, there is a long line down the street of anchors and correspondents who would love to participate on ABC News,” Sherwood told The Wrap on Thursday. “There are tides in television news and they come and go.”
As if to underscore his point, ESPN host Tony Reali added a new side job as “GMA” social media contributor to his resume on Thursday, just as he renewed his deal with the sports net.
Reali, the host of “Around the Horn” on ESPN for a decade, which will move from Washington D.C. to Times Square in New York.
At “GMA,” he will engage with sports fans and discuss trending topics a few times per week.
Read More: The Wrap
Brief Take: Disney is looking to install a steady hand at ABC News just as headlines start to emerge about turnover and shakeups at its flagship morning program.
Tags: