Rick Klein is ABC News’ new vice president and Washington, D.C. bureau chief. The network announced the longtime political director’s promotion on Monday.
“I have grown up professionally working with the legendary journalists of ABC News in Washington,” Klein said in a statement. “I’m honored to step into the role of bureau chief at this critical time and for the chance to work more closely with my colleagues in Washington and beyond.”
“Our audience depends on us more than ever for straightforward reporting about our government and political institutions,” he continued. “Reporting that is essential to our democracy and around the world.”
“As a seasoned and highly respected journalist, Rick is uniquely qualified to lead our Washington bureau at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” Debra OConnell, president, News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment, remarked in a statement, adding: “His expertise and deep relationships both inside and outside the Beltway are vital to our success as the No. 1 news network in the country.”
In his new role, Klein will manage all news teams based in the U.S. capital and oversee collaborations between the bureau and other ABC News departments and divisions. He’ll also head up political coverage for This Week with George Stephanopolous.
Klein fills a spot vacated by Jonathan Greenberger, who left the network in April to become Politico’s executive vice president. Katie den Daas filled in as acting D.C. bureau chief during the transition period.
In that period, ABC News stayed in the political limelight, scoring an exclusive interview with President Joe Biden this past Friday. It is tentatively scheduled to host the second presidential debate on Sept. 10 between Biden and former president Donald Trump moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis.