ABC News Faces Internal Crisis Amid Talent Shortage and Leadership Gaps
ABC News, one of the most prominent news networks in America, is reportedly grappling with a serious internal crisis. Sources within the network have revealed that it is struggling to maintain its star power, raising concerns about its long-term stability and future direction. The network’s challenges stem from a leadership vacuum and the absence of fresh talent to take over from its aging lineup of veteran anchors.
The situation has become increasingly dire, as ABC News has been without a head of talent for nearly two years. Without a dedicated leadership figure to guide talent acquisition and development, the network has found itself heavily reliant on established stars like Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan, but there is no clear succession plan in place. This lack of planning has become even more pronounced following the departure of former “GMA 3” co-anchors TJ Holmes and Amy Robach, who were seen as the next generation of ABC News talent.
Holmes and Robach left the network earlier this year following a scandal involving their romantic relationship, which quickly became tabloid fodder. Their exit left a significant void, as they were considered strong candidates to eventually replace the network’s veteran stars. According to insiders, the network did not fully consider the broader implications of their dismissal. “Losing them at ‘GMA 3’ wasn’t the point. They were the primary replacements for [flagship morning show] ‘Good Morning America’! That was their real value,” one source explained to PageSix.
This talent shortage extends beyond the morning shows, as ABC News is also reportedly struggling to find successors for David Muir’s primetime slot. While ABC has strong correspondents, insiders say they lack the star power needed to carry major shows. “Linsey [Davis] is not going to be the host of ‘GMA.’ She can easily be David’s replacement,” one source noted, pointing to the network’s ongoing search for new faces who can connect with audiences.
Despite the leadership challenges, morale has reportedly been high following recent coverage of the presidential debate, with ABC News anchors Martha Raddatz, Rachel Scott, Mary Bruce, and Jonathan Karl leading special coverage. However, one insider pointed out the absence of George Stephanopoulos, a key figure at the network. “The elephant in the room is they didn’t have George,” the source commented. Stephanopoulos has remained focused on his roles at “Good Morning America” and “This Week,” while his influence at ABC News appears to be waning in favor of David Muir, who anchors “World News Tonight.”
The rivalry between Stephanopoulos and Muir has long been an open secret at ABC News. According to sources, the competition for influence and airtime has created tensions behind the scenes. “David has his supporters and team inside ABC, and George has his. The rivalry is real, and there are private celebrations from those in David’s corner that George plunged the network into an embarrassing scandal,” an insider told RadarOnline, referencing Stephanopoulos’ involvement in the Holmes-Robach affair.
While Muir’s influence at ABC is reportedly growing, the network has faced challenges in retaining viewership. Following its post-debate coverage, “World News Tonight” experienced a significant drop in ratings, with viewership declining 12% from its 2024 average of 7.6 million to 6.7 million viewers. This dip was much sharper than the smaller declines seen by competitors like “CBS Evening News” and “NBC Nightly News,” adding another layer of concern for the network.
As ABC News navigates its internal struggles, the network’s leadership must confront the growing talent void and the behind-the-scenes power dynamics that are affecting its long-term direction. With no clear successors to take over from its veteran anchors, ABC risks losing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving news landscape.