Syracuse indigenous David Muir is using in excess of as ABC News’ direct in breaking information coverage as part of a big shakeup at the television network.

The Wrap reports America’s most-viewed news anchor has commenced to lead coverage of important unique activities and breaking news, in addition to continuing his purpose as “World News Tonight” anchor. The breaking information job was beforehand held by “Good Early morning America” co-anchor George Stephanopoulos beneath the title “chief anchor,” which Selection suggests ABC Information is no more time employing.

According to Deadline, the change begun last thirty day period when Muir anchored a distinctive report on President Joe Biden’s White Property ceremony marking the deaths of 500,000 Americans from Covid-19.

ABC Information has not commented on the improve.

A supply told Deadline that ABC News executives requested Muir to consider above anchoring breaking information and specific occasions two yrs ago, but waited until eventually after the 2020 election due to a “delicate situation” and endeavours to hold the two of its top rated anchors happy.

Sources explained to CNN that Stephanopoulos threatened to go away ABC for a rival community, major to a negotiation with Disney government chairman Bob Iger for an prolonged agreement. Stephanopoulos is envisioned to carry on to anchor breaking news in the mornings on “GMA,” as perfectly as perform on primetime specials and new demonstrates for Walt Disney Co. platforms like Hulu and Nationwide Geographic.

The Wrap reports the shakeup arrives a thirty day period after ABC Information introduced its president, James Goldston, will action down March 31 right after 17 a long time with the community. ABC News also reportedly saw a small number of layoffs thanks to cuts by Disney simply because of the Covid-19 pandemic’s economic influence.

The alter expands Muir’s function at ABC News, exactly where he’s anchored “World News Tonight” given that 2014, when Diane Sawyer stepped down. He’s been the most-viewed news anchor for five yrs and led the night newscast to No. 1 across the top rated demos for the very first time given that Peter Jennings sat at the anchor desk. Muir also built heritage very last summer time with the most-watched display, far more than any other Tv set system, for 13 weeks as he was the only anchor to go into the studio each and every working day all through the coronavirus pandemic, besides for big reporting times.

Muir, a former reporter at Syracuse’s WTVH (now portion of CNY Central), is a graduate of Onondaga Central Higher College and Ithaca College or university.

“I’m no distinct from the intern in Syracuse who then became the rookie reporter in Syracuse,” Muir explained to syracuse.com in 2016. “I think the sensibilities of having grown up in Upstate New York and the considerations, the fears, the hopes of the men and women there are reflected all around the country. And that still drives me to this day.”