ABC’s David Muir has seen his newscast ratings tank after his controversial moderating of the presidential debate. Following the debate, which aired on September 17, 2024, Muir’s “World News Tonight” lost a significant number of viewers, dropping from 7.6 million to 6.7 million. This decline has sparked discussions about the fairness of the debate and Muir’s performance as a moderator.
Many conservatives expressed dissatisfaction with Muir’s fact-checking approach, particularly his focus on former President Trump while not correcting Vice President Kamala Harris. This has led to speculation about whether Trump supporters are tuning out ABC’s news coverage.
Key takeaways:
- David Muir’s ratings fell by 12% after the debate.
- Conservatives criticized Muir for perceived bias during the debate.
- Trump supporters may be abandoning ABC’s newscast.
- Muir’s show remains the top evening newscast despite the drop.
David Muir’s Ratings Decline Following Controversial Debate Moderation
The recent presidential debate moderated by David Muir has led to a noticeable drop in viewership for ABC’s “World News Tonight.” The show averaged 6.7 million viewers in the days following the debate, down from 7.6 million. This 12% decline is more significant than the slight drops seen by competing newscasts. Viewers have raised concerns about Muir’s impartiality, particularly regarding his fact-checking of Trump while not addressing inaccuracies from Harris.
Impact of Fact-Checking on Viewer Trust in News Outlets
Fact-checking during debates is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust. However, Muir’s approach has drawn criticism for appearing one-sided. Critics argue that failing to fact-check both candidates equally undermines the integrity of the news. This situation has led to a broader discussion about how news organizations can ensure fair coverage.
Reactions from Key Figures Following the Debate
Reactions to Muir’s performance have been mixed, with notable figures voicing their opinions:
- Former President Trump criticized Muir, stating he has lost respect for him.
- Trump claimed the debate felt “one-sided” against him.
- Linsey Davis acknowledged that her fact-checking was influenced by previous debates.
- Martha Raddatz later pointed out inaccuracies in Harris’s statements.
In conclusion, the fallout from the debate has placed David Muir and ABC News under scrutiny. The decline in ratings reflects the challenges faced by news anchors in balancing impartiality while addressing contentious political issues.
