A note sent Friday to staff members at ABC News from President James Goldston has confirmed the appointment of a new Executive VP, “a key partner” for Goldston “who will manage our operational efforts and growth strategies” while working with him and all leaders “on advancing the culture.”
Taking the post is Derek Medina, a 22-year veteran of ABC News.
“He has a well-established reputation inside and outside the company for delivering outstanding business results while maintaining the highest standards of personal integrity, trust and collaboration,” Goldston said.
Medina is the SVP for Business Affairs, Rights & Clearances, Archives and Video Sales, leading a team of more than 20 people at ABC News. He joined ABC News in 1998 as a Director for Business Affairs and steadily moved up the ranks, adding greater oversight and responsibilities to his portfolio. He has managed negotiations for a wide range of network news deals, including talent, licensing, acquisitions, production, distribution, all third-party rights negotiations and partnerships.
Furthermore, Medina will oversee the Operations, Business Affairs, Marketing, News Practices, News Administration, Audio, Insights and NewsOne teams at ABC News.
The following leaders for each group will report to Medina:
· Alan Ives, Marketing
· Brian Kennedy, Global Newsgathering Operations
· Bob Murphy, News Administration
· Kerry Smith, News Practices
· Zach Toback, News and Non-Fiction Production and Studio Operations
Stacia Deshishku, Monica Giunco and Al Prieto continue to report to Bob Murphy.
“Until we hire a new head of Business Affairs, that team – David Baker, Pam Judge, Joe Moore, Anthony Perrone, Russ Spiegel and Lynnore Thames – will report to Derek,” Goldston said.
These leaders will continue to report to Goldston: Eric Avram (Booking and News Specialized Units), Marc Burstein (Special Events), Michael Corn (GMA), Justin Dial (ABC News Live), Wendy Fisher (Newsgathering), Beth Hoppe (Long Form), Terry Hurlbutt (Digital), Almin Karamehmedovic (WNT), Hilary Estey McLoughlin (The View), Marie Nelson (Integrated Content Strategy), Mary Noonan (Talent Strategy & Development), Julie Townsend (Communications) and Chris Vlasto (Investigative Unit).
And, Goldston and Medina will both work closely with Elizabeth Barrett, Tonya Dobine, Steve Chung and Kaizar Campwala, who report to the Walt Disney Television Finance & Business Planning, HR and Legal teams and DMED respectively.
Prior to joining ABC News, Medina spent two years as an investment banking associate at JP Morgan and two years as a corporate associate at the prestigious law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton.
Medina’s selection was a calculated one.
“We cast a wide net to fill this important role, and there was an exceptional pool of internal and external candidates,” Goldston said. “The combination of Derek’s business talents, his leadership and experience and his passionate commitment to help ABC News live up to its ideals was unmatched.”
