The corridors of ABC News are buzzing with whispers of a "cold war" between two of its high-profile anchors, George Stephanopoulos and David Muir. This internal rivalry has reportedly escalated following Muir's increasing prominence at the network, overshadowing Stephanopoulos, a seasoned journalist and former Clinton aide who has been a fixture at ABC since the 1990s.
The seeds of discord were sown when Muir, 51, was chosen for the coveted role of solo host for election night coverage, a decision that sources say Stephanopoulos, 64, has not fully reconciled with. Olivia Darcy, a reporter close to the matter, remarked on the "historic" nature of the tension, which she described as far from subtle.
The recent developments have cast a spotlight on the behind-the-scenes dynamics at ABC News. David Muir's ascent has been met with acclaim from his colleagues, as evidenced by the effusive praise from "Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts. In stark contrast, Stephanopoulos's response to Muir's success has been perceived as tepid at best, offering a curt congratulatory message on social media that lacked warmth.
Despite the apparent rift, ABC News leadership maintains a public front of unity. A spokesperson for the network dismissed the reports as a "tired narrative," emphasizing the collective pride in Muir's achievements.
However, sources reveal that the undercurrents of the feud trace back to 2021, following the retirement of Diane Sawyer. The decision to appoint Muir as her successor on "World News Tonight"—a role many expected would go to Stephanopoulos—sent shockwaves through the newsroom. Sawyer herself has lauded Muir, highlighting his rapid rise and notable interviews with prominent figures such as Popes and Presidents.
In the face of this internal strife, The Walt Disney Company, ABC's parent organization, has taken steps to prevent an exodus of talent. Reports indicate that CEO Bob Iger personally intervened to assuage Stephanopoulos's concerns after Muir was named Chief Anchor, a title previously held by Stephanopoulos.
Muir's ascent is not without its quirks, such as the lighthearted moment when he was teased for using a clothespin to secure his firefighter costume while reporting on the Palisades fires. Nevertheless, his impact on the network's viewership is undeniable. Muir has reeled in over a million viewers who had tuned out towards the end of Sawyer's tenure and has even surpassed NBC's Lester Holt in ratings on certain nights.
Despite these successes, Stephanopoulos's role in ABC's political coverage has diminished. Last year, he was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, yet his presence in major political stories has waned. Darcy suggests that this reduced role is indicative of the shifting power dynamics within the network.
