ABC News has chosen a new executive to run Good morning America. Simone Swink, a longtime program member, was promoted to senior producer, ABC News president Kim Godwin said in a note to employees. Variety. The job had been vacant for months after the previous head of the show, Michael Corn, abruptly left in April. Last week, Corn was charged with sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by another GMA staff.
The network was considering replacing Corn with an outsider, sources said Variety. Ultimately, the executives looked inside the program and chose Swink. “Simone is a dynamic, thoughtful and creative leader, with experience in cross-platform collaboration,” Godwin wrote Sunday. “I’m sure she and he GMA the team will continue to lead the show in new and innovative directions. “
Swank will have to guide GMA, which features Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos as main anchors, through a changing television environment. Although GMA is the most watched overall of the three major morning shows, still following those of NBC Today Show in the 25 to 54 demographic, one group coveted among advertisers who supported the programs. Today he has tried to expand his audience by entering streaming and podcasting. CBS This morning, which is usually third behind GMA i Today, also hopes to gain momentum by moving to a Times Square studio and incorporating former NFL player Nate Burleson. GMA he has had his own success with a former NFL player as Michael Strahan remains a popular anchor.
Swank has worked at ABC News for years, but also has experience in social gatherings thanks to his work with Jane Pauley and Martha Stewart. He has also produced documentaries on the National Geographic Channel. She joined GMA in 2010 as a writer and has continued to take on more responsibilities. He helped manage the program with senior producer Christine Brouwer and oversaw the second hour.
Corn was left GMA suddenly in April, for no reason. Last week, Kirstyn Crawford, a producer who works with Stephanopoulos, accused Corn of assaulting her and another staff member on several occasions over several years. Crawford, who filed the lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court, accused other ABC News executives of not rebuking Corn. Variety. Corn denied all charges in a statement released by his lawyer. ABC News also challenged the allegations made against him in the lawsuit.