ABC News anchor David Muir is facing significant backlash following his performance as co-moderator during the September 10th presidential debate, which seems to have contributed to a notable drop in viewership for his program, World News Tonight. According to The New York Post, Muir’s show saw a sharp decline, averaging 6.7 million viewers during the three days after the debate—a 12% drop from its 2024 average of 7.6 million. This decline was steeper than those seen by competing news programs, sparking speculation that Muir’s handling of the debate may be a factor.
During the debate, Muir and co-moderator Linsey Davis were criticized for what many perceived as an uneven approach—aggressively fact-checking former President Donald Trump while offering less scrutiny to Vice President Kamala Harris. This prompted outrage from conservatives and some moderates, who accused the moderators of showing bias toward Harris. Trump himself called out Muir’s moderation, stating that he had “lost respect” for the anchor, further fueling the controversy.
Muir’s perceived bias may be a key reason for the decline in his viewership, with many turning away from the show amid concerns about media fairness. In an attempt to address the situation, Muir appeared on Live with Kelly and Mark and dismissed the criticism as “just noise,” but his comments did little to assuage frustrated viewers. Social media has been buzzing with reactions, with many voicing disappointment in Muir’s handling of the debate and his response to the fallout.
The debate’s aftermath, coupled with growing concerns about media credibility, has placed Muir and ABC News in a difficult position as they face increasing calls for journalistic balance, especially in politically charged events like presidential debates.
The ratings drop for *World News Tonight* might signal more than just a temporary blip. It could be a warning to the mainstream media that Americans are growing increasingly weary of biased reporting and one-sided narratives. Viewers want balance, not lectures. For Muir and ABC News, the path forward may require rethinking their approach if they hope to regain the trust and viewership they’ve lost.
