David Westin (born February 22, 1947) is an American journalist, media executive, and academic. He is best known for his tenure as president of ABC News from 1999 to 2010 and as chief executive officer of CBS News from 2010 to 2014. Westin has also held senior positions at the Aspen Institute, the International Center for Journalists, and various academic institutions.
Early life and education
David Westin was born in New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Swarthmore College in 1969 and a Master of Arts in Journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 1975. He also completed a fellowship at the University of Oxford’s Media Studies program.
Career
Journalism and early roles
- Began his career as a reporter for the Boston Globe (1970–1973).
- Served as a correspondent for CBS News, covering domestic and international stories, including assignments in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
ABC News
- Joined ABC News in 1994 as chief of staff to then-president Roone Arledge.
- Appointed president of ABC News in 1999, overseeing news programming such as “World News Tonight,” “Nightline,” and “Good Morning America.”
- Under his leadership, ABC News expanded its digital platforms and won multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards.
- Resigned in 2010 following a corporate restructuring.
CBS News
- Became chief executive officer of CBS News in September 2010.
- Implemented a “digital-first” strategy, launching CBSN, a streaming news service, and reorganized the news division’s staff and resources.
- Departed the role in 2014 after a series of leadership changes.
Later roles
- Served as senior fellow at the Aspen Institute’s Communications and Society Program (2015–2020).
- Joined the board of the International Center for Journalists and contributed to discussions on press freedom and media ethics.
- Appointed as a senior fellow at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, focusing on media innovation and public policy.
Personal life
David Westin is married to journalist and author Gail Sheehy (married 2009). He has two children from a previous marriage. His interests include environmental sustainability and education reform.
Awards and honors
- Inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2012).
- Recipient of the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award (2005).
- Honored with the University of Pennsylvania’s Alumni Achievement Award (2018).
Publications
Westin has authored op‑eds and essays on media transformation, journalistic integrity, and the impact of technology on news. He co‑edited “The Future of News” (2016), a collection of essays by media scholars and practitioners.
References
Information compiled from publicly available biographical sources, press releases from ABC News, CBS News, and academic institutions, as well as reputable news articles and industry award records.