ABC News Considers Major 'GMA' Overhaul After Losing Morning Lead to NBC
ABC News is considering significant changes to 'Good Morning America' after it lost its top morning ratings spot to NBC's 'Today Show' for the first time in 14 years. The shift is attributed to internal anchor conflicts, heavy commercialization, and a lack of on-set chemistry, prompting potential leadership and personnel changes.
Key points
- GMA lost its No. 1 morning ratings position to 'Today Show' for the 2025-2026 season, marking the first time since 2011-2012 that NBC held the lead.
- In the 25-54 demographic, 'Today' attracted 612,000 viewers compared to GMA's 477,000, while total viewers were 2.9 million for 'Today' versus 2.8 million for GMA.
- Insiders cite poor on-set chemistry and frequent absences among co-hosts Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and George Stephanopoulos as key factors in the ratings decline.
- ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic is described as 'very concerned' and 'very hands-on,' with executive producer Simone Swink potentially facing removal if performance does not improve.
- Critics point to excessive commercialization, including a controversial sponsored segment with skier Lindsey Vonn promoting a pharmaceutical product, as damaging the show's editorial integrity.
Background
While ABC News has maintained strong evening news ratings recently, with 'World News Tonight' leading total viewers in August 2026, the morning segment has faced distinct challenges. The current ratings loss is part of a broader trend where NBC has gained ground in key demographics, as seen in recent evening news data where 'Nightly News' overtook ABC in the 25-54 demo. This morning ratings slip contrasts with the network's recent evening successes, highlighting a specific struggle in the daytime broadcast.
Why it matters
The loss of the morning ratings lead signals a significant shift in the competitive landscape for network television, particularly for ABC News, which has relied on 'GMA' as a flagship brand. The potential shakeup could lead to major changes in anchor lineups, production styles, and commercial strategies, impacting both the network's revenue and its reputation for editorial integrity. As Disney seeks to trim costs, the pressure to resolve internal conflicts and reduce reliance on sponsor-driven content may force a redefinition of the show's identity.
What to watch
ABC News is expected to make decisions regarding the future of executive producer Simone Swink and potentially the anchor team, with salary reductions being a likely outcome. The network may also reduce the frequency of commercial segments to restore viewer trust and improve ratings. Any changes to the anchor lineup or production style could have immediate effects on viewership and advertising revenue in the upcoming season.
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