ABC News Exec Will Step Down to Produce
Paul Friedman, executive vice president and managing editor of news coverage at ABC News, said Wednesday that he is stepping down from management to teach and produce news programs for ABC and elsewhere.
Friedman, 57, has been at ABC for 21 years. He will step down immediately but will remain a senior news consultant for ABC News, occasionally producing special-events coverage, such as a possible series on health care.
The move had been in discussion for weeks, insiders said, but the timing nonetheless stunned and bothered many staffers, coming as the Walt Disney Co.-owned network is gearing up for a possible U.S.-led war with Iraq.
Friedman, who oversaw such programs as “World News Tonight” and “Good Morning America,” was expected to play a key role in that coverage.
The executive had a difficult relationship with ABC News President David Westin, according to ABC News sources. Friedman didn’t return a call for comment.
In a note to colleagues, Friedman said his recent work on ABC’s Sept. 11 anniversary coverage led him to decide he preferred producing to management. Friedman twice served as executive producer of “World News Tonight.”
In his note, Friedman said he plans to teach at the university level. He also will train new correspondents and producers at the network.
The division said it has no immediate plans to replace him.
The biggest entertainment stories
Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
