The television news industry is going through a period of major restructuring, and ABC News is no exception.
Reports suggest that the network is considering merging the teams behind Good Morning America and GMA3, a move that could lead to job cuts.
This potential shift comes as traditional cable news outlets struggle to maintain viewership in an era increasingly dominated by digital platforms.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions at ABC
The discussion about streamlining operations surfaced on Monday, just as insiders shared that longtime anchor George Stephanopoulos is unhappy with his role at the network.
His dissatisfaction adds another layer of complexity to an already uncertain atmosphere at ABC News.
During an editorial meeting at the network’s Manhattan headquarters, Almin Karamehmedovic, head of ABC News, acknowledged the five-year anniversary of ABC News Live, the channel’s streaming service.
At the same time, he revealed that Disney executive Debra O’Connell was in Southern California presenting a long-term strategy for the network’s future.
A Network in Transition
O’Connell’s presence on the West Coast is not unusual, but given the industry’s ongoing turbulence, staffers are reportedly on edge.
According to journalist Oliver Darcy, Karamehmedovic tried to reassure employees that O’Connell was “fighting the good fight” on behalf of ABC News.
However, this did little to calm fears about potential layoffs and restructuring.
The industry’s struggles are not limited to ABC.
CNN recently cut nearly 200 jobs as part of its pivot toward a more digital-focused model, losing high-profile staffers such as Oliver Darcy and Jim Acosta in the process.
Similarly, NBC News has undergone staff reductions, with Meet the Press host Chuck Todd departing for his own podcasting venture.
Streaming Plans Face Pushback
ABC News has reportedly been exploring ways to integrate Good Morning America into its streaming platforms, including Disney+ and Hulu.
However, local affiliates that rely on the program for viewership and ad revenue have resisted this shift, complicating efforts to transition fully to a digital-first model.
Cable television continues to lose ground to streaming and social media platforms, but for now, over-the-air affiliates remain a critical source of revenue for ABC.
The challenge lies in finding a way to adapt without alienating these local stations.
Industry-Wide Changes and Their Impact
ABC News is not the only network making tough decisions.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson has laid out a vision for the future that includes a stronger emphasis on streaming and short-form vertical videos akin to Instagram reels.
He also teased a new subscription service focused on lifestyle content, though details remain scarce.
Meanwhile, MSNBC’s parent company, led by Mark Lazarus, is also undergoing changes.
Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC, recently announced her departure, signaling yet another leadership shift.
Lazarus has suggested incorporating more Republican voices into the network’s programming and expanding opinion-based content, potentially affecting the salaries of key hosts like Joy Reid and Stephanie Ruhle.
Stephanopoulos’ Future at ABC
At ABC, tensions remain high, particularly for George Stephanopoulos.
The anchor, who also hosts This Week, is reportedly frustrated following the network’s decision to settle a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump for $16 million.
The dispute stemmed from Stephanopoulos incorrectly stating that Trump had been found “liable for rape” rather than “liable for sexual abuse” in the case involving writer E. Jean Carroll.
The fallout has reportedly left Stephanopoulos feeling “apoplectic” and “humiliated.”
Adding to the drama, there are whispers that his co-anchor Jonathan Karl sees this as an opportunity to gain a more prominent role at the network.
What’s Next for ABC News?
With so many moving pieces, the future of ABC News remains uncertain.
The potential merger of GMA and GMA3 could lead to layoffs, and streaming ambitions face resistance from local affiliates.
Meanwhile, industry-wide changes at CNN and MSNBC highlight the broader shift in television news.
As ABC News navigates these transitions, the question remains: how will it balance traditional broadcast television with the digital future?
And what role will key figures like Stephanopoulos, Karl, and David Muir play in shaping the network’s next chapter?
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