Latest news with #Karamehmedovic
New York Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Disney CEO Bob Iger, ABC News boss told ‘The View' hosts to tone down anti-Trump criticism: report
Disney CEO Bob Iger and ABC News boss Almin Karamehmedovic have urged the hosts of the left-leaning daytime talk show 'The View' to scale back their political commentary, particularly their frequent criticisms of President Donald Trump, according to a report. The move has sparked tension behind the scenes at the show, whose outspoken panel has become known for tackling political issues head-on, The Daily Beast reported on Wednesday. In February, The Post reported that 'View' executive producer Brian Teta spoke to staffers at the show about 'going easy' on Trump-related commentary in the days leading up to the Jan. 20 inauguration — a move that led to tension in front of the cameras. 4 The co-hosts of 'The View' have reportedly been told to scale back political commentary. From left to right: Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen Pompeo, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Sunny Hostin. ABC via Getty Images The directive was issued after co-hosts were forced to issue four 'legal notes' or disclaimers during a November broadcast while discussing allegations leveled at several of Trump's cabinet nominees. A source familiar with the situation told The Post on Thursday that ABC officials 'constantly have conversations with talent based on viewer feedback and this instance was no different.' The source noted that that 'The View' is an opinion show and that the co-hosts are paid to give their perspectives on a variety of topics, including politics. 'The View' co-hosts were being encouraged by their bosses to implement a 'balance of the show' and 'balance of the topics' and that the changes were not 'Trump-specific,' according to the source. The source added that 'The View' on Thursday plans to discuss Trump and his remarks during the Oval Office visit by the president of South Africa as well as the Pentagon's recent announcement that it had accepted a luxury jet from Qatar to serve as a future Air Force One. Since Trump's return to the White House following the 2024 election, 'View' co-hosts — Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro — have maintained a steady stream of commentary aimed at the administration's policies and rhetoric. But top executives at Disney, including Iger and Karamehmedovic, are reportedly looking to shift the show's tone. 4 'The View' co-hosts are frequently critical of Trump. REUTERS Karamehmedovic reportedly met recently with the hosts and Teta to suggest a broader, less politically driven agenda. According to two sources cited by The Daily Beast, he encouraged them to increase the focus on celebrity interviews and lifestyle segments, noting those episodes perform well with audiences. While Karamehmedovic's suggestion wasn't framed as a directive, it reportedly did not sit well with the panel. One source familiar with the meeting said the hosts, particularly Navarro, pushed back, arguing that viewers expect 'The View' to provide strong political commentary — especially during such a volatile political climate. 'This is what our audience wants,' the source said, paraphrasing the group's response. 'Isn't it gonna look kind of bad if we're all of a sudden not talking about politics?' 4 During Disney's recent Upfronts — a high-stakes event where networks court advertisers — Navarro reportedly thanked Disney CEO Bob Iger (above) for supporting the show. Iger repeated the call to reduce political rhetoric, it was reported. Getty Images Despite the push, the hosts have largely decided to continue 'doing their thing,' the source said. During Disney's recent Upfronts — a high-stakes event where networks court advertisers — Navarro reportedly thanked Iger for supporting the show. Iger reaffirmed his backing but also repeated the call to reduce political rhetoric. According to The Daily Beast, this made clear that the message to shift tone had support at the highest levels of Disney leadership. An ABC spokesperson declined to comment. One source told The Daily Beast the conversation was part of ABC's routine feedback process based on viewer input. 'The View' has remained a ratings draw for Disney-owned ABC. According to Nielsen ratings, the show was the top-rated daytime network talk and news program during the first quarter of 2025. 4 ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic reportedly met recently with the hosts and Teta to suggest a broader, less politically driven agenda. Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust The internal tensions come amid broader pressure on Disney from Trump and his allies. In December, Disney agreed to pay a $16 million settlement — including $15 million for Trump's presidential library and $1 million in legal fees –after the former president sued over an interview by ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos. The anchor had incorrectly characterized a civil verdict against Trump as a rape conviction, rather than sexual abuse. Trump is also suing CBS and its parent company Paramount Global for $20 billion over a '60 Minutes' interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. While CBS has called the case meritless, the company has entered mediation talks to avoid complications for its ongoing merger with Skydance Media. Fallout from the dispute has already led to the resignations of '60 Minutes' executive producer Bill Owens and CBS News chief Wendy McMahon. Meanwhile, Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr — an outspoken Trump ally — has opened an investigation into Disney and ABC, citing concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and signaling that the '60 Minutes' interview could affect regulatory decisions.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ABC News Boss Recommits to ‘Straightforward Journalism' After Layoffs and Trump Settlement: ‘We Must Earn Their Trust'
ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic rallied his newsroom on Tuesday in New York City to reiterate the outlet — which has been rocked by recent layoffs and a $15 million settlement paid to President Donald Trump — is committed to hard-hitting, accurate and 'straightforward' news. Karamehmedovic, in the meeting held at Disney's new Hudson Square headquarters, acknowledged the recent restructuring has hit many ABC reporters and staffers hard. Earlier this month, Disney announced it was cutting 200 employees, mostly from ABC's news division. In a note to staff recapping the town hall afterwards, Karamehmedovic said ABC News will have to fight to win over more viewers and readers in the years ahead. 'We must earn their trust every single day by providing straightforward journalism,' Karamehmedovic said. Karamehmedovic — who has been with ABC News for 27 years and was named president last August — said the outlet can accomplish that goal by focusing on three top priorities: — Preserving and expanding its audience and reaching viewers wherever they access news — Streamline and enhance its collaborative work environment — Delivering for its audience with 'excellence' To make this happen, he said the news division will depend on three pillars: 24/7 live and breaking news, because 'we need America to turn to us first — to ABC News Live and Special Events — for the news as it is happening'; signature shows like 'Good Morning America' and 'World News Tonight With David Muir'; long-form storytelling features that are shown on 'Nightline,' '20/20' and other programs. 'This is not easy. The entire industry has been challenged,' the ABC president said about the current media landscape. His game plan for ABC News comes a few months after the outlet paid $15 million to settle the defamation lawsuit President Trump brought against the outlet and star anchor George Stephanopoulos. Stephanopoulos had said on air a number of times that Trump was found 'liable for rape' in the civil case E. Jean Carroll brought against him. In fact, Trump was found liable for sexual abuse, which carries a different definition in New York, where the case took place. 'A reasonable jury could interpret Stephanopoulos' statements as defamatory,' Magistrate Judge Lisette Reid said in a filing last year. 'Stephanopoulos stated 10 times that a jury — or juries — had found the plaintiff liable for rape.' The judge's comments, coupled with the fear a Florida jury would award Trump more than the $15 million he ultimately received, pushed Disney towards settling the lawsuit. A little more than two months after settling the lawsuit, ABC's news division was hit by layoffs. Despite the recent turmoil, Muir and ABC's nightly newscast has remained the top-rated broadcast news program. Last week, Muir and 'ABC World News Tonight' averaged 7.5 million viewers; Lester Holt and NBC News came in second place, with an average of 6.11 million viewers, and CBS Evening News averaged 4.04 million viewers. 'Because of every single one of you, ABC News is the #1 news network inAmerica. None of what we do would be possible without all of you andour outstanding journalists positioned around the world,' Karamehmedovic said in his memo to staff. 'Our goals are ambitious, and I have full confidence in our future together.' Lucas Manfredi contributed to this report. The post ABC News Boss Recommits to 'Straightforward Journalism' After Layoffs and Trump Settlement: 'We Must Earn Their Trust' appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic Tells Staffers ‘GMA3' Will Remain, Outlines News Division Restructuring
ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic told staffers that GMA3 will remain on the air, while he outlined the news division's restructuring, now completed after a recent round of layoffs. Karamehmedovic wrote in a memo after a town hall meeting this afternoon, 'This is not easy. The entire industry has been challenged, and restructuring the way we operate has, unfortunately, had an impact on some of our colleagues. We thank them again for their professionalism, dedication and meaningful contributions.' More from Deadline Trump Dressed Down By Chief Justice After POTUS Made Impeachment Threats Against Judge 'Matrix' Co-Creator & Hundreds Of Hollywood A-Listers Want To Stop AI Obliterating Copyright Laws; Lilly Wachowski, Paul McCartney, Ava DuVernay, Cate Blanchett, Alfonso Cuarón + More Write White House Jon Stewart Skewers Chuck Schumer, Democrats' Lack Of Gumption: "Don't You Have To Start It To Keep At It?" The network's news division was the most impacted by a round of layoffs at The Walt Disney Co. earlier this month. About 200 employees were impacted, or almost 6% of the workforce in the ABC News Group and the company's entertainment networks. Among the changes was putting Good Morning America and GMA3 under the supervision of Simone Swink. Cat McKenzie had been executive producer of GMA3, and the changes drew some speculation about the ultimate future of the spinoff show. At the town hall, Karamehmedovic said that the show was not being pulled, according to a source at the meeting. The New York Post first reported that it would remain on the air. As part of the restructuring changes, the network also closed its data site, 538, and G. Elliott Morris and its staff were among those laid off. To staffers, Karamehmedovic outlined the now-completed restructuring, which occurred in two phases. He did not indicate any future layoffs, albeit all news divisions are in an era of uncertainty. He said that the news division would be in three pillars, including 24/7 live and breaking news, covering linear, streaming and digital; signature shows, including World News Tonight and GMA; and longform storytelling, with one unit that will comprise 20/20, ABC News Studios, Nightline and Impact x Nightline. Karamehmedovic did not mention Donald Trump in the memo, which was obtained by Deadline, but he wrote of the importance of the independent press, while emphasizing that the network's mission to provide 'straightforward journalism.' Trump has been attacking news outlets, including ABC News. The president's FCC chairman revived a complaint over how the network conducted the presidential debate last September, as Trump complained about the fact checking done by the moderators. 'We were called to journalism because we believe in its value in society,' Karamehmedovic wrote. 'The role of an independent press is essential, and we cannot take this for granted. For 70 years, ABC News has delivered exceptional reporting, interviews and analysis — this is why audiences turn to us. We must continue to prove our value to protect our future. We must earn their trust every single day by providing straightforward journalism.' Best of Deadline 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery Epic Universe: The Latest Images Of The New Universal Orlando Theme Park Which Colleen Hoover Books Are Becoming Movies? 'Verity,' 'Reminders Of Him' & 'Regretting You' Will Join 'It Ends With Us'
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ABC News Chief Sets New Mission and Structure As Division Seeks to Move on From Tough Layoffs
ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic sought to reassure staffers at the network news division that it was engaging in a thoughtful strategy to grow and expand the ABC News brand, despite the difficult layoffs that took place earlier this month. Karamehmedovic gathered ABC News employees at The Walt Disney Co.'s newly-opened New York City headquarters Tuesday in Hudson Square, taking questions and outlining his vision for the storied network news division. He also recapped the town hall in a note to staff, which The Hollywood Reporter obtained. More from The Hollywood Reporter ABC News Pivots Podcast Slate to Focus on True Crime, 20/20 Shows in the Works (Exclusive) Disney Cuts Nearly 200 Jobs at ABC News and Entertainment Networks ABC News Agrees to AI Protections for Writers in Latest Contract A source says he fielded multiple questions about the layoffs, which saw 538 shuttered, the Nightline and 20/20 teams consolidated, the Good Morning America team consolidated under producer Simone Swink, and a merging of digital and social operations. He also discussed the future of GMA3, the early afternoon spinoff of the morning program, and said that it was there to stay, despite the merging of teams. 'This is not easy. The entire industry has been challenged, and restructuring the way we operate has, unfortunately, had an impact on some of our colleagues,' he wrote to staff. 'We thank them again for their professionalism, dedication and meaningful contributions.' Karamehmedovic told employees that ABC News was restructuring around three 'pillars': '24/7 live and breaking news,' in an effort to ensure that ABC News is the default choice on linear, streaming, digital and social for anyone seeking information on news happening now; 'signature shows,' including GMA, World News Tonight, The View, Tamron Hall, and This Week; and 'longform storytelling,' built around 20/20, Nightline, and ABC News Studios. He also laid out three 'priorities' for the news division going forward, including a mission to 'preserve and expand our audience by reaching our viewers wherever they are,'; 'Streamline and strengthen our operations to collaborate better in service of the news.,'; and 'execute and deliver for our audience with excellence.' He framed the ABC News mission as being about 'straightforward journalism.' 'We were called to journalism because we believe in its value in society,' he wrote. 'The role of an independent press is essential, and we cannot take this for granted. For 70 years, ABC News has delivered exceptional reporting, interviews and analysis — this is why audiences turn to us. We must continue to prove our value to protect our future. We must earn their trust every single day by providing straightforward journalism.' Of course the ABC News cuts come as TV news writ large is facing a cash crunch, as cord-cutting impacts the bottom lines of cable news outlets (Fox News seeming to be the only exception for now), while network news divisions deal with a fracturing linear audience and a digital audience that isn't quite making up for those linear losses. The result, across companies, is more consolidation and merging of teams, smaller pay packages for top talent, and even a rethinking of programming strategy. Best of The Hollywood Reporter How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started Meet the World Builders: Hollywood's Top Physical Production Executives of 2023 Men in Blazers, Hollywood's Favorite Soccer Podcast, Aims for a Global Empire
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disney cuts 6% of staffers from news and entertainment unit, shutters data-driven website 538
Disney (DIS) is eliminating 6% of staffers, or just under 200 employees, from its news and entertainment division, Yahoo Finance confirmed on Wednesday. The bulk of the cuts will impact ABC News, which is also shuttering its political and data-driven news site 538. Disney's ESPN first acquired 538 from Nate Silver in 2013 before it was transferred to the network side of the company five years later. As part of the layoffs, first reported by the Wall Street Journal and the newsletter Status, production teams across "20/20" and "Nightline" will consolidate, along with the three hours of "Good Morning America's" branded shows. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Disney stock was little changed on the news. Shares are down about 2% since the start of the year, lagging the broader S&P 500 (^GSPC). "Rethinking the way we work to future-proof our team regrettably includes reductions to our extraordinary staff," Almin Karamehmedovic, president of ABC News, said in an internal memo viewed by Yahoo Finance. The cuts come as Disney works to streamline operations in the midst of traditional television's rapid decline. 'ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks continually evaluates new ways to effectively manage resources and boost efficiencies," Karamehmedovic added. Since 2023, Disney has eliminated more than 8,000 roles in an effort to cut $7.5 billion worth of annual costs. Disney, like other legacy media companies, has heavily invested in expensive streaming endeavors amid the mass exodus of pay TV consumers. In its latest earnings release, Disney reported a 7% year-over-year decline in linear network revenue. Operating income for the division dropped 11%. Prior to the cord-cutting phenomenon, linear advertising and cable affiliate fees had consistently boosted revenues. But as ad buyers now flee traditional TV channels in favor of digital options like streaming, companies are beginning to realize they may never realize those economics again. These pressures have resulted in waves of layoffs across the industry as companies double down on streaming through newly launched ad-supported tiers, bundled offerings, and price hikes. Read more: Do you pay taxes on unemployment? What to expect when you file your return. Disney management has continued to reiterate, however, its intention to hold on to traditional TV assets. "Linear networks and streaming are in many ways two sides of the same coin because a lot of the content that we produce actually winds up in both locations," Disney CFO Hugh Johnston told Yahoo Finance last month. "In many ways, we've kind of perfectly hedged the business," Johnston added. "A lot of our focus on cost is how do we get the right aggregate outcome rather than focusing on one side of the coin." Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @allie_canal, LinkedIn, and email her at
