ABC’s David Muir, the fastest rising star in network news, wants the network’s top anchor job. But he is going to have to wait for Diane Sawyer to step down before he takes over the evening “World News” show.
Muir, 40, dubbed “the Brad Pitt of news anchors,” hosts “Weekend World News” and is the lead substitute for Sawyer on weeknights.
“When he anchors ‘World News,’ he gets closest to beating [NBC’s] Brian Williams in the ratings,” one television insider said. Execs at rival networks wonder why the ABC brass hasn’t promoted Muir yet.
“He was promoted,” an ABC spokesman said. “He was named co-anchor of ‘20/20.’ He’s a prolific correspondent, as well. He’s one of the hardest working guys in the business. He is loved by everyone in the building. He has an incandescent future and more than enough on his plate right now.”
But Sawyer, who looks way younger than her 68 years, will keep her anchor seat as long as she wants. ”Diane is a living legend, having a fantastic run and is closing in on Brian Williams,” says the spokesman. “She is the leader of ABC News and we’re damn lucky.”
Sawyer, who has been with ABC News for 25 years, is beloved by ABC brass because she helped “Good Morning America” knock the “Today” show out of the top spot in the morning ratings.