Kieran McGirl

Film & Television Producer • Storyteller • Journalist

Kieran McGirl is an Emmy‑ and Edward R.Murrow Award–winning television producer and multimedia storyteller based in Brooklyn, New York. He currently serves as a Producer on ABC News’ 20/20, where he oversees a wide range of responsibilities including story development, writing, field producing, editing, line producing, and on‑camera filming.

Early Life & Education

Kieran grew up in a family rooted in Irish heritage (his father from Monaghan, his mother from Galway and Derry) and graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School before attending Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He earned a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Film & Television Studies, graduating in May 2015. During his senior year at Sacred Heart, Kieran was selected as a finalist on NESN’s Next Producer (a competition for New England college filmmakers). His short sports documentary about then‑rookie NHL player Johnny Gaudreau titled The Rise of Johnny Hockey won the competition. That victory earned him a six‑month contract as a Features Producer at NESN, producing segments that aired during Red Sox broadcasts.

Professional Career

NESN & Early YearsAfter his initial contract, Kieran was hired full‑time at NESN as an Associate Producer. Over his tenure at the network, he also contributed as a field producer on NESN NEXT, working directly with contestants. ABC NewsFollowing three years at NESN, Kieran made the move to New York to join ABC News, initially working on Good Morning America, where he held roles from Associate Producer to Producer. Over time, he transitioned to 20/20, his current home, where his work spans investigative and human interest stories. In his role at 20/20, Kieran’s byline appears on major stories (for example, How 2 Teenagers Plotted Their Best Friend’s Murder) and he collaborates across teams to bring complex narratives from idea to broadcast.

Independent & Community Endeavors

Alongside his network work, Kieran remains active as a filmmaker, screenwriter, and content producer. He has been involved in community projects, particularly within the Irish‑American space. He serves as President the Kings County Ancient Orde rof Hibernians, Vice President of the Hibernian Baile na n’Gale Corporation and President of Division 19, John O’Hagan Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Brooklyn. Kieran was instrumental in organizing virtual versions of the Great Irish Fair during the pandemic. He also serves on the Young Alumni Council at Sacred Heart and has been recognized by the Irish Echo for Outstanding Community Leadership and as a Top 40 Under 40 Irish American.

Awards & Recognitions

Over his career, Kieran’s work has earned multiple honors, including:Multiple Emmy Awards, Two Edward R. Murrow Awards,DuPont‑Columbia Award, NAACP Image Award (nomination or honor), Recognition from Irish Echo for community leadership and inclusion in the Top 40 Under 40 Irish Americans

Personal & Legacy

Kieran lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Erin, and their dog Guinness. He loves summers in Breezy Point, close ties to his Irish roots, and continues to pursue stories that connect communities and amplify underrepresented voices.