ABC News is making some changes in its Washington DC bureau and at “This Week,” according to a memo to staff this morning sent by ABC News president Ben Sherwood.
ABC “This Week” EP Sandy Cannold has been named EP and senior business editor of ABC News. Cannold, who joined ABC from CNBC last September, will now be responsible for the network’s business and economics reports.
ABC is also promoting a pair of executives in the DC bureau. Robin Sproul, who is celebrating 20 years as ABC’s DC bureau chief, will add responsibility of “This Week” as its executive in charge. Sara Just will become the deputy bureau chief, reporting to Sproul.
It isn’t clear who the next executive producer of “This Week” will be, though the show now originates mostly from New York, so it would not be surprising if the producer is based there. Having Sproul serve as executive in charge can keep the DC influence intact.
Sherwood’s memo is below.
I’m writing with good news about changes on “This Week” and in the Washington bureau.
I’m pleased to announce that Sandy Cannold has been named Executive Producer and Senior Business Editor of ABC News.
A 13 year veteran of CNBC, Sandy will oversee our super-star team of business and economics specialists including GMA Weekend Anchor Bianna Golodryga, Linzie Janis, the talented Zunaira Zaki and our newest arrival, chief business and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis.
Viewers have told us time and again that jobs, money and the economy are their most important issues and we are very fortunate to have such a smart, savvy and experienced team to steer our financial coverage.
Sandy leaves “This Week” while it is enjoying the best season to date ratings in more than three years. He has been at the helm for some of the broadcast’s most memorable programs, including a live program in Newtown after the tragic shootings in December.
Robin Sproul, who just celebrated her 20 year anniversary as Washington Bureau Chief will expand her role to serve as Executive in Charge of “This Week.” As bureau chief, Robin is the leader of our Washington coverage and has presided through five presidential terms, starting just after the inauguration of Bill Clinton. She oversees all Washington beats, and has been part of award-winning teams covering everything from politics to the events of 9/11 to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sara Just, who has contributed to nearly every program and platform from the DC bureau – including senior roles at Nightline, GMA and Digital – will become the Deputy Bureau Chief in Washington, reporting to Robin. During her time at ABC, Sara has received eight Emmy Awards, two duPont Silver Batons, two Peabody Awards, and an RFK Journalism award for coverage on a range of stories from presidential campaigns, to conflicts in the Middle East, natural disasters, the racial divide in America, as well as arts and features.
Please join me in congratulating Sandy, Robin and Sara on these new roles.
Ben