Debra OConnell

Debra OConnell is president of ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks for The Walt Disney Company, reporting to Disney Entertainment Co-chairman Dana Walden. She oversees ABC News and ABC Owned Television Stations, aligning the nation’s No. 1 news network with the No. 1 station group in the country. She also has operational leadership including P and L oversight of the company’s multiplatform linear entertainment networks in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including ABC broadcast network, Disney Channels, FX Networks, Freeform and National Geographic channels.

At the company for more than 25 years, OConnell recently served as president and general manager of ABC7/WABC-TV New York, the most-watched station in the country. She had overall management responsibility for the station and all of its ancillary businesses, as well as television show “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Under her leadership, the long-running hit syndicated series became the No. 1 daytime talk show for the first time in franchise history. In her previous executive roles, she served as executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, of Disney|ABC’s consolidated advertising sales group; president, National TV Sales, ABC Owned Television Station; and vice president of marketing at WABC-TV.

She is a seasoned executive with broad business acumen and deep operational experience. Most recently, she was inducted into Broadcasting & Cable’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024, was named Broadcasting & Cable’s 2022 “Broadcaster of the Year” and was honored with a 2022 Gracie Leadership Award from the Alliance of Women in Media. In 2018, she was one of the honorees at the Multichannel News Wonder Women Awards.

OConnell is on the board of directors for A&E Networks, National Geographic Partners and Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) (where she was chair from 2021-2022), a not-for-profit trade association representing America’s local broadcast television industry. She is on the Alliance for Women in Media board, which connects, recognizes and inspires women across the media industry. She is an ex-officio member of the board of directors and previously served as chairman of the International Radio & Television Society (IRTS), a well-respected industry organization that focuses on mentorship, access, education and diversity. OConnell serves on the V Foundation event board and advisory boards for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation and League of Women Voters of New York City. She previously held board positions with the New York State Broadcasters Association and The Broadway Association.

Additionally, OConnell is an active participant in The Walt Disney Company’s VoluntEARS program and was honored with the Executive Champion Award for her vigorous support and involvement. She also is involved with many other charitable initiatives, including Sade Baderinwa’s Get Reel Foundation. In 2022, she was recognized as a New York Edge Gala honoree for her support of their work bridging the opportunity gap for kids across the New York City area.

OConnell also serves as a mentor, which is one of the most gratifying parts of her career – to be able to give back, provide insight and guidance while watching amazing talent and individuals with possibility grow. In 2021, she was recognized by IRTS Foundation’s Hall of Mentorship for her many contributions across the industry and in fall 2025 she will be honored with their inaugural Gold Medal Award.