Mimi Gurbst

Mimi Gurbst is an important and controversial figure in the history of ABC News. She served as the head of news coverage and a top producer wielding enormous influence within the network's news division. In the wake of the massive job cuts announced at ABC News a significant controversy erupted online after it was announced that Gurbst was leaving the network to become a high school guidance counselor.^[1] A story in the New York Observer reported that Gurbst was a "cherished" mentor inside the news division.^[2] Reporters who closely follow TV news observed that hundreds of current and former ABC News staffers went online to vigorously report that Gurbst had helped perpetuate a negative culture with ABC News that led to the job cuts.^[3][4]

The controversy over Gurbst exploded with former ABC employees, some identifying themselves themselves by name, writing passionately about her behavior and its impact on the decline of ABC News.^[5]

References

1. ^ http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/networks/mimi_gurbst_career_counselor_or_cruella_deville__161629.asp
2. ^ http://www.observer.com/2010/media/top-abc-news-producer-leaving-network-become-high-school-guidance-counselor-0
3. ^ http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/05/co-workers-bid-outgoing-abc-news-producer-adieu-with-barrage-of-hateful-anonymous-comments.html
4. ^ http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/abc/for_departing_abc_news_exec_where_the_story_ends_commentary_begins_161595.asp
5. ^ http://www.mediabistro.com/webnewser/abccom/former_abc_news_ep_defends_mimi_gurbst_162102.asp