KGO - Vice President - News

Job Description

Job Summary:

Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information.  ABC7 KGO-TV is the Bay Area's news leader, delivering breaking news, weather and live video on-air and 24/7 wherever you stream.  Producing more than 45 hours of live newscasts every week, ABC7 Eyewitness News is widely recognized for its solution-based journalism and advocacy with legacy franchises Seven on Your Side, I-Team, and Building a Better Bay Area.  ABC7 is a respected and valued community resource, KGO-TV is an ABC Owned Television Station serving San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and the greater Bay Area.

The News Director leads ABC7’s news product across all platforms, overseeing strategy, content, and team performance to drive audience growth, revenue, and community connection. As a key member of the station’s leadership team, this executive is responsible for maintaining exceptional journalism, modernizing the newsroom, and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

In partnership with the General Manager, the News Director will define and execute a clear vision for the future of ABC7, communicating priorities, inspiring teams, and delivering results through data-driven decision making, strategic risk-taking, and hands-on leadership. This leader will evolve the Eyewitness News brand beyond breaking news to deliver impactful, localized, multi-platform journalism and content that reflects and serves the greater Bay Area community.

The role collaborates closely across the ABC Owned Television Stations group and with cross-functional partners throughout The Walt Disney Company to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $236,000 to $316,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

About ABC Owned TV Stations:

The Disney Entertainment Television group creates original entertainment and news content for the Company’s streaming platforms and its cable and broadcast networks.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with KGO Television, Inc, which is part of a business we call ABC Owned TV Stations.

KGO Television, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Job Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of multi-platform content strategies that attract and engage audiences
• Oversee newsroom operations to meet or exceed key performance indicators, including ratings, audience growth, video consumption, and market share
• Evolve and strengthen the station's brand to enhance relevance, impact, and community connection
• Lead a high-performing, diverse, multi-platform newsroom team
• Partner with Sales leadership to develop content initiatives that support revenue growth and monetization strategies
• Identify and implement operational efficiencies across newsroom workflows and processes
• Build strong relationships with community leaders and represent the station externally
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent, including on-air staff, while providing coaching and professional development opportunities
• Leverage data and analytics to inform content strategy, platform optimization, and team accountability
• Ensure compliance with company policies, journalistic ethics, FCC regulations, and industry standards
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive newsroom culture
• Partner across ABC Owned Television Stations and The Walt Disney Company to leverage resources and advance strategic priorities
• Lead OTT and streaming content strategy and development
• Drive business development initiatives and strategic partnerships that support modernization and long-term growth

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven newsroom leadership experience in a medium or large DMA, or a comparable news organization
• Collaborative and participative leadership style with a track record of driving innovation
• Ability to establish priorities, communicate vision and strategy, and identify growth opportunities
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills in fast-paced environments
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations
• Experience working with unions and participating in contract negotiations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in marketing, audience development, and content growth across multiple platforms
• Knowledge of the San Francisco Bay Area market and community
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

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