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This pettiness highlights a deeper struggle for influence and recognition at ABC. The tension appears to have been exacerbated when Stephanopoulos was tapped to conduct a key interview with President Biden following a debate, a role that might typically fall under Muir’s jurisdiction as the Chief Anchor.
The origins of this feud trace back to 2014, when Muir replaced Diane Sawyer as the anchor of “World News Tonight,” leapfrogging Stephanopoulos despite his prominent role on “Good Morning America.” While ABC attempted to appease Stephanopoulos by naming him Chief Anchor and offering a pay raise, the gesture seemed insufficient to quell his dissatisfaction.
Disney CEO Bob Iger was even reportedly forced to intervene in 2021, flying to New York to mediate after Stephanopoulos threatened to quit following Muir’s promotion to Chief Anchor. According to reports, Stephanopoulos felt sidelined by the move, as it symbolized a shift in the network’s favor toward Muir, the younger and increasingly influential figure.
Complicating matters further, ABC recently settled a $15 million defamation lawsuit brought by Donald Trump over statements made by Stephanopoulos during an interview. The veteran anchor had erroneously claimed that Trump was “found liable for rape,” statements deemed false under New York law. Stephanopoulos reportedly opposed the network’s decision to settle the case, preferring to battle it out in court, a position that allegedly further strained his relationship with ABC management.
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While viewers may be unaware of the simmering tension, the cracks are becoming increasingly visible. Stephanopoulos’ absence from major political events is noticeable, leaving Muir to dominate the network’s marquee coverage. The question now is whether ABC can find a way to mend these divisions or if the rivalry will continue to erode morale within the network’s ranks.
With Stephanopoulos’ illustrious career at ABC dating back to 1997 and Muir’s meteoric rise reshaping the network’s future, the stakes are high for both men — and for the network that relies on their star power. As this power struggle continues to unfold, it offers a rare glimpse into the volatile dynamics behind one of America’s leading newsrooms.
