‘World News Tonight’s David Muir Reveals What Story Has Moved Him the Most

WORLD NEWS TONIGHT - David Muir
Q&A
ABC NEWS

This September marks David Muir’s fourth anniversary anchoring ABC’s World News Tonight.

He has more to celebrate than just that milestone: By the end of July, his show had beaten its network rivals in total audience for most of the past year.

What’s more, in April, Muir’s Q Score was the highest of any other TV news media personality, meaning he’s the most liked by viewers. The anchor shares some thoughts about his high-profile job.

Why is a nightly show still relevant in a world of Twitter and endless online news?

David Muir: Americans are hungry for someone to break through the noise, and that’s what our team is doing. Network news is more than just relevant; it’s growing. Our newscast has the largest audience it’s had in 13 years.

You’ve traveled abroad 20 times in the past four years. What’s one report that really moved you?

We did a story about the famine in Somaliland in 2017. After it aired, viewers raised $1.8 million to help. I never underestimate people’s generosity and interest level in news around the world.

What stories are your current passion?

We have a feature called “America Strong,” where we highlight ordinary Americans going above and beyond. One standout was about a 20-year-old named Walter whose car broke down [before] his first day of work at a moving company. He walked all night, 20 miles, to get there on time. We do what we can to remind [viewers] that there is a common humanity.

What’s your first news grab in the morning and last at night?

I look at my iPhone the moment I wake up and read what our incredible overnight team put together. Then I dive into [newspapers] and I watch our competitors. I wish I could say I block out the news before I go to bed, but the last things I hear are “talking heads,” and then I do one last phone check!

World News Tonight With David Muir, Fridays, 6:30/5:30c, ABC