The tension between ABC News legends David Muir and George Stephanopoulos has been the subject of whispers for years, but recent revelations highlight a professional rivalry that appears to have turned into an outright feud. According to journalist Oliver Darcy in the Status newsletter, the two anchors are known to have a “historic tension,” which has caused headaches for ABC executives and resulted in notable changes in the network’s coverage dynamics.
Why Isn’t Stephanopoulos Seen During Political Coverage Anymore?
One of the clearest signs of the rift is George Stephanopoulos’s absence from political coverage, including high-profile events like Election Night. Those duties have now shifted entirely to David Muir, who serves as the face of World News Tonight. Insiders speculate this shift is part of a larger battle for prominence within the network.
What Incident Deepened the Rift?
The rivalry reportedly intensified after Joe Biden’s advisors chose Stephanopoulos to conduct the president’s first post-debate interview in 2020. This decision allegedly irked Muir and reinforced the divide between the two journalists.
Additionally, tensions flared again in 2021 when Disney’s then-CEO Bob Iger had to personally intervene after Stephanopoulos threatened to leave ABC. His frustration stemmed from Muir being given the responsibility of leading breaking news and special event coverage—a role Stephanopoulos had held since 2014.
Is It Just About Air Time, or Are There Other Factors?
The feud isn’t just about airtime. It’s also about status and perks. For example, when ABC relocated to a new studio in New York City, Stephanopoulos reportedly demanded a dressing room comparable in size to Muir’s. According to insiders, he’s keen on ensuring he receives equal treatment to his younger colleague.
How Far Back Does This Rivalry Go?
The tension reportedly dates back to 2014, when David Muir replaced Diane Sawyer as the anchor of what was then ABC World News. Stephanopoulos, who was already leading Good Morning America to significant success, had hoped to secure the coveted evening anchor role.
Instead, Muir, who was less experienced at the time, was chosen for the position. To appease Stephanopoulos, ABC created the Chief Anchor role for him, granting him a higher salary and oversight of breaking news coverage. However, that decision seemed to sow the seeds of resentment, particularly as Muir’s profile grew in subsequent years.
Is There a Resolution in Sight?
So far, ABC has managed to keep the tension from boiling over publicly, but insiders suggest the rivalry remains a source of friction behind the scenes. While both men continue to excel in their respective roles, their fractured relationship appears to show no signs of healing, leaving ABC executives to navigate the fallout.
This ongoing feud between two of the biggest names in journalism is a reminder that even the most polished public figures can have their share of backstage drama.
