ABC News Considers Major Shake-Up at 'Good Morning America' Following Ratings Decline
The network is reportedly weighing significant changes to its flagship morning show after losing its top spot to NBC's 'Today' show for the first time in 14 years.
ABC News is contemplating a substantial overhaul of its long-running morning program, "Good Morning America" (GMA), after it ceded its No. 1 ratings position to NBC's "The Today Show" during the 2025-2026 season. This marks the first time "Today" has held the top spot since the 2011-2012 season.
"GMA" recorded 2.8 million total viewers and 477,000 viewers in the key 25-54 demographic for the season, while "Today" attracted 2.9 million total viewers and 612,000 in the demo. While "Today" benefited from extensive coverage of co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother's disappearance and major NBC events like the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl, sources indicate internal concerns about "GMA's" on-air talent and content.
Insiders suggest that the infrequent presence of co-hosts Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and George Stephanopoulos together in the studio may be impacting viewership. "Someone is always on vacation, on assignment or working on another project," a source noted, emphasizing the importance of anchor chemistry. Reports of on-camera tension between the hosts have also surfaced, with one source claiming Roberts and Stephanopoulos "detest each other" and Roberts is "jealous of Michael."
With estimated salaries for each of the main anchors exceeding $15 million annually, the declining ratings are reportedly prompting discussions about potential salary reductions and other cost-saving measures, especially as parent company Disney seeks to trim expenses.
ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic is reportedly "very concerned" and actively involved in addressing the situation. Executive producer Simone Swink is also reportedly facing scrutiny, although some sources defend her position, calling her the "best person to lead the show."
Concerns have also been raised about the show's content, with some critics suggesting an increase in sponsor-driven segments and a lack of journalistic edge. An interview with skier Lindsey Vonn, discussing her use of a pain medication sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, was cited as an example of potentially blurring the lines between news reporting and advertising. Another source lamented, "There's too much Disney synergy. Too much commercialization... it's unwatchable now and it's unrecognizable."
A representative for ABC News and "GMA" declined to comment on the matter.