Van Scott Named VP, Communications, ABC News

Communications executive Van Scott will return to ABC News to lead media relations and program publicity as vice president, communications; it was announced today by Kim Godwin, president, ABC News, and Shannon Ryan, president, content marketing, Hulu and general entertainment. Scott will report to both Godwin and Ryan.

Scott will be responsible for publicity strategies on behalf of ABC News, driving awareness and viewership for all ABC News content, including World News Tonight with David Muir, Nightline, Good Morning America, GMA3, The View, Tamron Hall, 20/20, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, ABC News Live, ABC News Radio, ABCNews.com and satellite service NewsOne.

Additionally, Scott will continue to bolster the visibility of on-air and behind-the-scenes talent.

“Van is a highly respected and skilled communications executive whose deep understanding of this business will help shape the narrative of our award-winning news programming,” Ryan said. “During his initial tenure, Van’s strategy and vision were instrumental in the success of ABC News, driving impressive results – and we can’t wait to have him back to lead the immensely talented publicity team.”

“We are delighted to welcome Van back to ABC News, where he previously left an indelible mark as a bright and innovative communications leader,” Godwin said. “We will benefit from Van’s gifted approach to delivering meaningful results during this moment in history when supplying timely, relevant news is more important than ever.”

Most recently, Scott was vice president of communications for Vice Media Group, leading external, internal, corporate and crisis communications strategy across the organization’s portfolio.

Prior to that, during his previous tenure at ABC News, Scott was director, communications, where he oversaw the communications strategy for the network’s editorial priorities, political coverage, special events and breaking news. He was pivotal in messaging World News Tonight with David Muir and led the rollouts of some of the biggest interviews in recent history with world leaders, including Pope Francis, President Joe Biden, President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and President Donald Trump. He also led communications strategy for anchor Diane Sawyer, in addition to overseeing coverage of the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, among other efforts.

Before ABC News, Scott led communications strategy at CNN for various priority projects.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in mass media communications and politics from New York University.