Journalist/author/Internet entrepreneur Ben Sherwood has been named President of ABC news. He succeeds David Westin, whose departure at the end of this month was announced in September.
Sherwood, selected after what the network termed “an extensive search,” will report to Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and President, Disney/ABC Television Group, to whom he will report. In his new position, Sherwood will be responsible for all editorial and business aspects of the News Division, including all ABC News programs on the ABC Television Network, ABC News Radio, ABC News.com and ABC News NOW.
The new news boss is a former executive producer of “Good Morning America.” He’s also been in the field in various positions at ABC News, including being shot at in Bosnia in 1992. His broadcast news career also included stints at CBS, NBC and KCET-TV Los Angeles. Most recently he founded TheSurvivorsClub.org. The website for people dealing with adversity recently re-launched in partnership with Hearst Digital Media.
“Ben combines an intimate knowledge and success in the news business with a creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit that are second-to-none. While at ABC News, he delivered GMA’s two most successful seasons in history, and guided prize-winning coverage of some of the biggest stories of the day. Since then, he’s become a best-selling author whose work has been adapted into feature films, and a digital media entrepreneur. This success, combined with a keen intellect and a truly gracious and generous spirit, make Ben the ideal person to lead our News efforts into the future,” said Sweeney.
