I love TV drama! The behind scenes is full of egos and agents.
Behind-the-scenes tensions at ABC News got so bad earlier this year that Disney executive chairman Bob Iger flew from Los Angeles to New York to diffuse the situation between George Stephanopoulos and David Muir.
The issue was the title of chief anchor. That’s the person who leads special coverage of breaking news and special events. Even though the gig traditionally goes to the evening news anchor, George – the more seasoned journalist with more political clout – had done it since 2014. When David – the “World News Tonight” anchor – signed his long-term contract two years ago, the powers that be told him that he would be able to be the chief anchor after the 2020 election. When George found out about it, he essential felt deceived by the network.
That’s why Iger flew in to smooth things over. Now George will do breaking news that happens in the morning either before or after “Good Morning America.” David will handle it every other time. Also, George got a contract extension, a hefty raise, and a production where he and his wife, Ali Wentworth, will create new shows for Disney-owned platforms like Hulu and National Geographic.
Source: CNN
