DAVID MUIR’S ‘WORLD NEWS TONIGHT’ DOMINATES THE NEWS RACE YET AGAIN, CRUSHING NBC BY 1.6 MILLION AND SEIZING #1 ACROSS EVERY MAJOR DEMO

ABC’s World News Tonight with David Muir has once again solidified its position as the most-watched newscast in America, extending its remarkable ratings dominance across both broadcast and cable news. The program widened its lead over NBC by a staggering 1.6 million viewers, according to the latest Nielsen data, cementing its status as the #1 newscast “across the board” in total viewers as well as the coveted Adults 25-54 and Adults 18-49 demographics.

The numbers mark a high-water point for the broadcast this season, with the show hitting season-best performances in key advertising demos and showing year-over-year growth in both total viewership and Adults 18-49. In a shifting media landscape where traditional broadcasts have faced intense pressure from streaming platforms, cable erosion, and digital-first news outlets, World News Tonight remains an outlier: a legacy newscast that not only maintains its audience, but expands it.

The program’s consistency is even more striking when placed in historical context. This season marks the 10th year in a row that World News Tonight has been the #1 program in total viewers. It also ranks first in Adults 25-54 and Adults 18-49 for the 7th consecutive season, a rare feat that underscores the show’s broad appeal across generations.

While much of the program’s success is attributed to its disciplined editorial approach, compelling storytelling, and emphasis on national and global field reporting, the role of anchor David Muir cannot be overstated. Since assuming the desk in 2014, Muir has developed a reputation for steadiness, clarity, and empathy — traits that have resonated deeply with viewers seeking trustworthy coverage during a decade marked by political upheaval, global crises, and unprecedented public-health emergencies.

Network insiders say Muir’s influence extends far beyond the anchor chair. “David is deeply involved in the editorial process,” one ABC News producer said. “He reads everything, he pushes for accountability, and he champions field reporting. Viewers feel that. They trust him.” That trust appears to have translated directly into viewership loyalty, often giving World News Tonight double-digit percentage leads over its competitors.

Meanwhile, NBC’s Nightly News with Lester Holt, though still a formidable broadcast, has struggled to keep pace with ABC’s surge. Cable news programs, facing declining ratings across the board, have fallen even further behind. CNN and MSNBC have continued to wrestle with shrinking primetime numbers, leaving World News Tonight in a unique position of both stability and dominance.

The show’s growth comes at a moment when the industry at large is wrestling with declining linear viewership and accelerating shifts toward digital consumption. ABC has leaned into those trends, expanding World News Tonight‘s online footprint through social media, streaming clips, and mobile-optimized content. Muir’s reporting — particularly his international coverage — frequently goes viral, introducing younger audiences to the traditional evening newscast format.

“David Muir is the closest thing the modern news landscape has to a classic American anchorman,” said media analyst Lila Gordon. “He maintains the gravitas of the Cronkite era while adapting to the speed and demands of twenty-first century news. That combination is rare.”

The anchor’s frequent trips into the field have also set him apart from his competitors. Whether reporting from war zones, hurricane-stricken communities, wildfire sites, or interviewing world leaders, Muir has made on-the-ground journalism central to the broadcast. Executives say it’s a deliberate strategy: putting viewers “closer to the story” than they might expect from a traditional studio-centered newscast.

Beyond its flagship broadcast, ABC’s broader news operation has benefitted from the momentum. Lead-in and lead-out programming, digital engagement, and the network’s streaming news platform have all seen noticeable boosts during Muir’s tenure.

Still, industry analysts caution that maintaining such dominance requires continued adaptation. Younger audiences remain fragmented across digital platforms, and competition from emerging news brands continues to shape audience behavior. But, analysts say, World News Tonight’s success is proof that traditional news can still thrive—if anchored by credibility, consistency, and compelling storytelling.

As ABC heads deeper into the season, the network is celebrating not just the numbers, but the longevity of its success. A decade as America’s most-watched newscast is no small milestone. Seven straight seasons as #1 in key demographics is even rarer. And with Muir continuing to command the desk — and the trust of millions — ABC shows no sign of loosening its grip on the top spot.

In an era of fractured media, World News Tonight has done the improbable: it has brought viewers together.