Tension Between ABC News Anchors Fueled by Rating Battles and Power Struggles

In early 2023, tensions between George Stephanopoulos and David Muir, two prominent figures at ABC News, reached a critical point. The conflicts stemmed from a clash over on-air responsibilities and influence within the network, eventually leading to Stephanopoulos considering leaving ABC for a rival network. However, the situation was eventually resolved, and both anchors continued in their roles throughout the year.

The Heightened Tensions

The story traces back to 2014 when Diane Sawyer retired as the World News Tonight anchor. Stephanopoulos initially aspired to take over the chair, but ABC decided otherwise because they valued him on GMA. As a compromise, they gave Muir the WNT position and designated Stephanopoulos as the “Chief Anchor.” This arrangement was fine until Muir’s ratings surpassed NBC’s Lester Holt, making him a major draw for the network.

The situation escalated when it was revealed that Muir would handle special news event coverage after the 2020 elections, a deal that Stephanopoulos was not aware of. This news led to Stephanopoulos threatening to leave ABC and join a rival network. The tension eventually reached a boiling point, and even Bob Iger, the head of ABC, had to intervene to smooth things over and negotiate a deal.

Resolution and Future of ABC News

The resolution involved the removal of the “Chief Anchor” title, with both Muir and Stephanopoulos handling special news event coverage in the morning. Along with this, Stephanopoulos received a contract extension and a hefty pay raise. Additionally, ABC plans to set up a production company for him, showing their commitment to him.

The incident also led to the departure of ABC News president James Goldstone, as Stephanopoulos claimed that he had been deceived. Despite these changes, both anchors remain adaptive and determined, which bodes well for the future of ABCN.

The Broader Context of TV Ratings and Anchor Dynamics

The tensions between Stephanopoulos and Muir highlight a broader issue in the TV news landscape: the impact of ratings on anchor roles and responsibilities. Muir's performance and the ratings he brings to WNT are significant, making him a critical asset to ABC. However, the gravitas brought by Stephanopoulos, Holt, and Norah O’Donnell cannot be easily overlooked. Each anchor brings their unique strengths, contributing to the overall success of the network.

Additionally, the success of WNT is bolstered by the strong local presence of ABC-owned stations, which often lead in their respective markets. This leads to a robust lead-in for WNT, which is crucial for the network’s overall performance.

In conclusion, while the tensions between George Stephanopoulos and David Muir have subsided, the underlying issues of ratings and power dynamics continue to shape the landscape of ABC News. This situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that ratings play in anchor assignments and the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of each anchor.