"Debra O'Connell Takes Charge of Disney's ABC News and Stations"

Disney is merging its news division and local stations, appointing veteran executive Debra OConnell to lead the new division encompassing ABC News and its local station operations. OConnell will oversee ABC News President Kim Godwin and Stations President Chad Matthews, reporting to Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment. The move comes as ABC News faces challenges in the changing media landscape, with declining viewership in key demographics. OConnell, who has experience in various areas of the Disney portfolio, expressed excitement about working with the teams to strategize for the future.